O *^""Ul^ri 



008 891^10 




lyoNOO dO Auvyan 



H JBoof\ 

Ibelpful 

for 

Christian 

Xiving. 






^f ^C * 



%, 



4. 



••••..on 



BY THE 

REV. L, M. ZIMMERMAN, 



AUTHOR OF 



"HOW TO BE HAPPY WHEN MARRIED " 

"PEARLS OF COMFORT FROM TENNYSON'S 'IN MEMOKIAM.' " 

"THE.LITTLE GR4VE.V "DAILY BREAD FOR DAILY HUNGER.* 

"SUNSHINE." ■■•■■' "PATHS THAT CROSS." "THE FAMILY.'' 

"THE WEDDING TOKEN," and YVONNE." 



.'b 







;OPIES RECEIVED, -'^ 

Library of Congre««» " \ ^ b 
Office of tll9 YV 

Register of Copyrfghtik 



54288 



COPYRIGHT 1899, 

BY 

REV. L. M. ZIMMERMAN. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



««cowo copy. 



Press of Pearre E. Crowl & Co., Balto 



|{^retace. — 



We ore all Pilgrims in this world, for 

*'this is not our home/' 

Heaven is the goal toward which 
every thoughtful one aspires. Loved 
ones have gone before, and that the 
journey may be made all the more suc- 
cessful by those who yet remain, this 

little book is sent forth 

May it prove a guiding light, a help- 
ing hand, a kind word to many weary 
' travelers, that they may all the better 
**run with patience the race'' that is set 

before them • ♦ • 

^ ^ <f The Author, 



CONTENTS. 

«^* t^% 5,^* 

Chapter. Page. 

I. Flight From the City of Destruction, 5. 

II. The Wicket Gate, 15. 

in. Loosing the Burden at the Cross, 24. 

IV. Valley of Humiliation and Conflict with ApoUyon, . 34. 

V. VaUey of Death and Break of Day, 42. 

VI. Vanity Fair, 52. 

Vn. ^'Buy the Truth,^' ....... 60. 

Vm. Doubting Castle, 69. 

IX. Atheism — Scepticism — Infidelity, 78. 

X. Over the River into the Celestial City, .... 87. 



FROM THE 

CITY OF DESTRUCTION 

TO THE 

CELESTIAL' CITY. 



CHAPTER I. 
FLIGHT PROM THE CITY OP DESTRUCTION. 

THE book, and the only book, next to the Bible is Bunyan's 
Pilgrim's Progress. "That book brought me to the true 
light," is doubtless the experience of many of the followers 
of God to-day. Its author, like many great men, sprang- from a very 
sinful youth ; for Bunyan was a most depraved boy. He was so pro- 
fane that even a bad woman of his native place, charg-ed him with 
being so very wicked that he would corrupt all with whom he came 
in contact. His first reformation seems to have beg"un with his mar- 
riage to a godly woman. Like him, many men have been made g-reat 
by such a marriage and it would be well for many others of the 
world to do likewise ; that is, marry, but marry in the Lord. A 
g-odly wife, by her influence and example, can very often make of a 
worldly man, a man of God. Gradually, thereafter, Bunyan began 
to lop off one branch of sin after another, striving each day to be- 
come just a little better. It was not, however, until he overheard 
the conversation of two women, who were conversing about righteous 
ness, that he discovered he was merely cutting- off sinful branches 
without uprooting the tree of sin itself, in his soul. The conversa- 
tion of those two women led him to serious reflection, and, seeing 



wherein he was weak, and learning of the true source of strengtli, he 
thereafter turned to the Fount of all blessings, Jesus, and became a 
true disciple of Christ. 

How unfortunate it would have been, had those two women 
talked along- the line of many gossipers, in dissecting the character 
of such as had been trying to serve God to the best of their ability, 
or had found fault with God, or spoken evil of the church and reli- 
gion. Had they been such gossipers or faultfinders, Bunyan would 
doubtless never have written Pilgrim's Progress. It simply goes to 
show the importance of guarding well our speech, for conversation 
is often heard through the wall, as when Bunyan overheard the two 
women. You may be riding along in the street car speaking evil 
of a person, while just opposite sits some one drinking in every word 
you utter. You may be standing on the street corner gossiping about 
your next door neighbor, while in the adjoining house, seated at 
an open window, sits some one waiting to peddle out and spread the 
poisonous words you are uttering. You may be seated in the church 
talking about a member of the same congregation, while before or 
behind you may be sitting, unnoticed, a listener only too eager to 
herald abroad your conversation, causing mischief between friend 
and friend. When you least expect it, the conversation will be heard, 
either for good or evil. 

Having thus been led to turn to a higher life through the godly 
conversation of the two women, Bunyan became a most ardent fol- 
lower of Jesus Christ, and preached the Gospel of glad tidings. But, 
living in an age of martyrdom, he was soon persecuted for his good 
works, and, in all, spent twelve long years in prison. This was a 
sore disappointment to him, for he had planned to do so much for 
his Master, and now all his hopes seemed to vanish. Lodged in his 
place of confinement, he longed for some way of serving his Lord, and 
in the words of Job, he doubtless exclaimed, "Oh that my words 
were written, that they were printed in a book, that they were en- 
graven with an iron pen in the rock forever." And then as if by in- 
spiration, (for it would seem that the book is largely the work of in- 
spiration) God sent an angel ; in the hand of the author was placed 
a pen, and Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress. 



Thus his imprisonment proved to him a great blessing; for with- 
out the affliction, he would never have had this great inspiration 
given unto him. It is in like manner that the hours of imprisonment 
are often blessings in disguise. Without his confinement, Paul 
would never have given unto the world his richest Epistles. He 
might have preached parts of them to a few people, but they would 
never have been handed down to generation after generation. Being 
imprisoned, however, he wrote his thoughts and they were scattered 
abroad to feed thousands upon thousands. We often object to the 
thorn, but while we complain of it let us remember that at the very 
spot where there is a thorn, therQ is also a rose blooming; and as 
the thorn protects the rose not only from the storm but from the 
promiscuous touch of every passer-by, so the thorns of life may oc- 
casionally hurt us, yet at the same time they protect us and keep us 
from the violent stoi-ms of sin and temptation, preserving thus the 
very flower of piety, purity and character for the great garden of God 
at last in heaven. Otherwise many of the present blooming flowers 
In that heavenly garden, would long since have been plucked by evil 
hands, trampled under foot and cast into outer darkness. While in 
prison Bunyan received from God the rare blessing and privilege of 
giving to the world precious thoughts from precious leaves of the 
great book of life's experiences. 

In his dream he beheld 

* ' A man in rags . ' ' 
This at once suggests the picture of the unregenerate ; for their 
state is represented as "filthy rags " in the sight of God. True, very 
many attempt to make a covering for their nakedness, but their efforts 
are as unsuccessful as were the efforts of Adam and Eve when they 
endeavored to cover themselves with fig leaves. One may hold a 
lofty position as a great ruler, and think thereby to be great, but un- 
less he be a child of God, " washed in the blood of the Lamb," his 
greatness is as " filthy rags" in the sight of God. Another may try 
to clothe himself with the robe of self-righteousness, but unless that 
robe be made whiter than snow through the atoning mercies of Jesus 
Christ, that man is as unwelcome in the sight of God as the sinner 
that walks the streets ; for unless the righteousness exceed that of 



the Scribes and Pharisees it is worthless. Another may try to weave 
for self a cloak of good works, but we are not saved by mere works 
of righteousness. 

All such cloaks are but ati "rags " in the eyes of God, and man 
stands condemned for his sins. Sin from its very nature clothes a 
man with "rags," both literally and spiritually. The prodigal could 
not travel many years in the way of sin before he was clothed in 
rags in the true sense of the term ; and like him, many men and wo- 
men are walking our streets in rags, because they have been traveling 
along the paths of transgression. It costs a good hit to be a sinner, 
and when the money is all spent, then all that sin gives to man is 
"rags" for his body and "husk" for his food. The very counte- 
nance of the sinner makes him known. Place ten good, pure, honest, 
upright young men or women together, and beside them place ten who 
Kve of the world, who find satisfaction in "eating, drinking and being 
merry," and you will readily be enabled to tell who are the good, and 
who are the bad. The very eye, the expression will bespeak the 
character of each. Compare the countenances of men and women 
in prisons and dens of iniquity, with those of men and women in 
churches, and you will have many living witnesses and proofs of the 
wages of sin as they appear in the wicked, while the righteous show 
by their very countenance that they are good and pure, for they have 
been cleansed and clothed in white robes of righteousness ; the old 
man is put off with his "rags," and the new man put on with the 
robe of righteousness. 

The man as seen by Bunyan was not only clothed in "rags," but 

he stood in a place with 

" I/is face from his own house.'' ' 

That is the position of the man who is disgusted with the sins of this 

world and who is resolved to seek something better. It is the attitude 

of the man who starts out to follow Christ. He is leaving all to follow 

Jesus; and unless we forsake all we are not worthy ^3f being called 

Christ's disciples. Not that the christian is expected to give up a 

legitimate business because he has become a christian, for it is just 

then that he is rather enjoined "to be diligent in business." God 

never intended His followers should be lazy men," or even " men and 

women of leisure." 

8 




Christianity does not lock up the doors of a 
man's place of business, nor does it say to 
man he must not be concerned about the 
same, but it does mean that man shall not 
make his business his God. It does mean 
that business shall be second, and that the 
Kingdom of God shall be sought first. It 
does mean that business shall be honestly 
carried on for the glory of God. Unhappily, 
too many are trying to follow God with one 
foot, whirle with the other they are endeavor- 
ing to follow the devil, but such method of 
travel is impossible. You cannot travel two 
roads that lead in opposite directions at the same time, nor can we 
*' serve God and mammon '' at the same time. To follow Christ means 
self-denial of time, money, pleasure, and of all, making thus the chief 
end of life the glorifying of God. 

If many were to stop and ponder the path they are traveling, 
they would discover danger, for many are on dangerous soil. Were 
many of the professed followers of God, in His church at large, to 
drop dead suddenly in the district they are traveling, there would be 
a question as to where they belonged. The church would come for- 
ward and claim them, but on the other hand the devil would put forth 
his claims, demanding them on the ground that they had fallen upon 
his territory. Manj^ of the world's pleasure-seekers, and many of the 
Marthas in the homes " cumbered solely about much serving " with- 
out regard to "the one thing needful,'' and many of the business 
people at large "who are seeking everything else before they consider 
the demands of religion, would do well to reflect for a moment, 
whether or not they are "leaving all* to follow Christ; whether or 
not they have "their face from their house," or whether they are 
not turned with their faces toward the world. 

Too many are like Lot's wife, they are " fleeing from the wrath 
to come," yet worried about what they have left behind. With long- 
ings they look back, losing sight of the prize that is set before them, 
and in their thrist for the things of this life, they lose the blessing of 



heaven, and fall a prey into the hands of the enemy. Let ^o of sin, 
break loose from the clutches of the adversary, and with face turned 
toward Christ, and eyes fixed upon Him, run with patience the race 
that is set before you, ever looking unto Jesus as the Author of your 
faith. With such following- after Christ, all the other needful things 
of life shall be added. The poorest kind of economy is that which 
takes away from God, for while God can live without man, man can- 
not live without God, and with God on our side, even the '' littles'* 
shall be blessed. 

Cheap religion is as worthless as it is cheap, and no greater mis- 
take can be made by any one than by trying to see how little it costs 
to get to heaven. Many seem to think they will do just as little as 
they possibly can for Christ, both in service and gifts, instead of do- 
ing all they possibly can. Only "the faithful servant" will reach 
heaven to receive the plaudit "well done." The fruitful tree is a 
great blessing to the hungry and weary traveler, but the barren fig 
tree, wnth its deceptive properties, a curse; accordingly such as pro- 
fess to be followers of God, unless they are as the fruitful tree to feed 
others and bless them, then they will be rather of the barren fig tree 
order, to be a stumbling block, a curse, a hindrance to the cause of 
their Master. Some christians tell the truth when they sing, " Noth- 
ing in my hands I bring," for they are trying to get to heaven 
"empty handed " on " flowery beds of ease." Even were it possible 
for such ever to enter heaven, they would feel most uncomfortable 
there to look around and see others with their arms full of the golden 
grain gathered for the Master, and they themselves, "empty handed." 

In his further description of the man as seen in his dream, Bun- 
yan speaks of him as having 

''A burden upon his back!''' 
This is the condition of the man who is under conviction. The 
wreckless sinner who heedlessly goes on sinning without any thought, 
for a time feels perhaps little of this burden, but when once man 
stops and considers the folly of his way, then he is made to feel the 
weight of sin. His conscience condemns him, and he feels his guilt 
in the sight of God. Such as consider, are made aware of their guilt, 
and are conscious of the burden that rests upon their souls. If only 



more would stop for a time and seriousiy ponder, they would see 
their mistakes, and would turn from evil doing-. Such are likely to 
count the cost of sin, and seeing- that "the wages of sin is death." 
will feel the awful weight of the same. But even those who do not 
seriously consider, sooner or later are made to feel the burden of siu, 
for at first the weight may be comparatively light, but gradually it 
g-rows heavier until at last it becomes a burden. How many, like 
Samson, have walkedoff with the gates of sin at first! But, in the 
end, the strongest have been overpowered by the burden, and like 
that giant in strength, were crushed by the ruins of a life not well 
spent. Sin may be light for a tima and some have thereby boasted 
of its pleasures, but the eyes of many are opened when too late. 
Shorn of their strength, they are left to tread in the mill of despair 
and shame, a laughing stock to the world, and a misery to self. The 
sins of an evening weigh most heavily upon the soul at night, as the 
transgressor lies down in his I'oom alone to sleep. His pillow seems 
full of thorns, while his heart is weary and heavy laden with the 
burden of sin. It is verily ti-ue that " the way of the transgressor is 
hard." 

Happily for the man, seen by Bunyan in his dreams, he had 
'' A book 171 his hand'" 
which was God's word. This book told him of the light and the life 
that Christ came into this world to give unto man. If people would 
read more generally the Bible, there would not be so many in dark- 
ness and sin. The Bible is a Light to lead souls out of darkness, and 
point them to Jesus as the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of 
the world, but how shall men know of the Way and the Truth and 
the Life, unless they hear and read God's Word ? " Faith cometh by 
hearing," and the Bible "is the lamp unto our feet, and light unto 
our pathway. ' ' 

It was under circumstances of this kind that Bunyan describes 
man awakened by the Divine Light of God's Word ; and seeing the 
dangerous ground upon which he was standing, the awakened sinner 
informed his wife of his unrest and desire for the true Light. But 
alas, like many other foolish and unbelieving wives, she only ridi- 
culed the idea of her husband, and plead with him to remain where 

II 



he was, in the City of Destruction ; for to her there was no danger, 
as she thought. The wife can do much toward the making of her 
husband, a follower of either the Lord or the devil. If the wife is 
not religiously inclined, and if she be concerned only about the home, 
she cannot expect her husband to be a very faithful christian. Hence 
many wives by their example are virtually drawing their husbands 
back into the world. But woe is that one who thus sins away her day 
•of grace, while at the same time she, perhaps, keeps another soul 
away from the fold of Christ ? 

But the man referred to by Bunyan was wise in th-it when it came 
to a matter of his own soul's welfare, he would rather forsake his wife 
than live in sin, and appear a condemned criminal at the bar of God. 
Although one member of the family may be an unbeliever, yet that 
is no reason why another should deny God and sell his soul to the 
devil. When it is a matter of the salvation of the soul, each one is 
personally responsible for his or her own redemption. 

Better, by far, to do as did Bunyan's Christian, when putting his 
lingers to his ears that he might not hear the Syren voice he ran 
crying, 

'•'■Life, life, elernal life,'' 
for he had received the commission to " flee from the wrath to come," 
which warning is given to every unregenerate man and woman. 

No one ha^ an excuse for not having been warned, for the Gos- 
pel cail has gone forth in this christian land of ours, so that every 
one who has had any desire to be saved, could be if he would. It is 
not true that many are in sici because "no man careth for their 
souls," for the preached word, and the written word, all tell of God's 
love, and admonish the sinner " to flee from the wrath " of God. 

Every effoi-t is being put forth to reach the masses, and "whoso- 
ever will, may come." Even "the Spirit and the Bride say, Come." 
And it is enjoined upon all who have heard, to say, "Come." 
But for fear some one might not hear the call, it is written, "Let 
him that is athirst come." But, lest even then there be one who 
might claim that he personally had not been invited to come to the 
Master, it is written, "Whosoever will, may come." That means 
every sinner. If you as a reader are not yet saved, then, it means 



you persoually. liut while the call is so general, yet, it is impera- 
tive, for there is great danger in delay. To-morrow may be too late 
to begin to start on the journey for heaven. " This very night thy 
soul may be required of thee." " The wrath of God " is often nearer 
than is expected, and many have thought it afar off, when the 
breath of fever laid them low upon the sick couch, and before they 
had time to make their peace with Him, they have been ushered un- 
prepai'ed into His very presence, to receive the doleful sentence, 
*' Depart from me. for I never knew you. " What an awful condition 
for the soul of the dying not to be saved ! How bitter the lamenta- 
tion of such, " The harvest is past, the summer ended, and I am not 
saved. " How sad that bitter wail, " Almost, but losti " 



1,^ 



CHAPTER 11. 
THE WICKET GATE. 



HAPPILY for Christian, he was met by a kind friend who di- 
rected him in the right way, so that he once more could re- 
new his journey with courage and delight. From his sad 
experience of allowing himself to be lured from the right path by a 
man of the world, he became suspicious of any that might meet him 
along the road, and he turned back to the right way in great haste^ 
for he realized that he was on forbidden ground ; he also refused to- 
look either to the right or to the left, lest he might step aside from- 
the proper course. 

It would indeed be well if more would profit, not only by the sad 
experience of Bunyan's Christian, but even by their own, for all who 
have stepped aside from the path of righteousness have discovered 
that they are on forbidden and dangerous ground, as well as that they 
have done that which is harmful to them, and the quicker they get 
back into the way of the Lord, the better. Not only let such way- 
ward ones return, but return in haste and fear, looking neither to 
the right nor to the left for things of the world, but hasten back inta- 
the way the Lord would have them go. 

Having safely reached the path, Christian soon came to 
" The gate " 
to which he had been directed. That gate 
was to represent Christ as the only way, 
the door. Says Christ, "I am the door; 
by me if any man enter in, he shall be 
saved, and shall go in and out, and find 
pasture. " Again He says, " I am the way ; 
and no man cometh unto the Father, but 
by me." Unhappily there are many who 
try other ways of getting to heaven. One 




15 



says, "I observe the Golden Rule as the guide of my faith, and that 
la good enough for any one. " Another says, " I have never wronged 
any one, and of what have I to repent ? I have ever lived a good, 
moral life, and that is all that is needful. " Another tries the way of 
the Formalist, and thinks that by reading his Bible and Prayer Book, 
he will get to heaven. These are, however, not the gates to glory 
that God speaks of. They may all be good as helps to glory, but 
Christ, and Christ only, is the hope of glory. He is the Way, the 
Oate, and no one can enter heaven by any other way. 

One of the conditions for admission at this " Gate " is to "knock," 
us did Christian. Although God knows what we need before we make 
a request of Him, yet, we are commanded to " ask " if we would " re- 
ceive. " Some people are anxious for certain things, but they are too 
proud to ask for them. They may throw all manner of hints, but are 
not willing to openly ask. This is the way with many who come to 
Christ for the pardon of their sins. They are desirous of receiving 
the forgiveness of their iniquity, but they make known their request 
in such an obscure manner that the Lord Himself fails to recognize 
their wishes. All manner of things are spoken of, and asked for, 
save the one thing needful. If the Lord would open the "door " with- 
out their " knocking," it might be acceptable with such persons, but 
they do not want to put themselves in the position of having to 
* 'knock" and " ask. " But " knocking and asking" are not the only 
■essentials. Another requisite for passing through the Door of Mercy 
is, confession. Christian said to the one who met him at the gate, 
" Here is a poor burdened sinner." That is the attitude that should 
characterize every one that seeks the forgiveness of his sins ; for, "if 
we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and 
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, " But here again too many 
^re unwilling to acknowledge their sins. They will not admit having 
done wrong, and of course with such a spirit they cannot . be peni- 
tent, and without repentance there can be no forgiveness of sins ; for, 
how can God forgive sins, if man refuses to admit that he is a sinner 
who needs forgiveness ? 

Pride thus keeps many away from Christ, because they are not 
vwilling to confess their errors. It is not a pleasant thing for one to 

i6 



confess his wrong, and yet, it is the only way we can ever expect for- 
giveness. 

A rather singular experience occurred to Christian as he was 
about to enter the " Gate." He was taken by the hand and quickly 
pulled in through the open way, and when he asked to know the reason^ 
he was told of a Castle near by, where dwelt one who was jealoils of 
all who entered by way of the " Gate," and to prevent such from en- 
tering, would shoot forth arrows after them, if perchance he might 
prevent the entrance. This is more or less the experience of every 
one who is about to pass through the Door of Mercy ; for Satan is the 
great enem^^ ever " seeking whom he may devour, " and all manner 
of darts are hurled to prevent the young and old from becoming fol- 
lowers of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As long as men and 
women live in and of the world, the devil does not annoy them but 
gradually, blindly leads them on into the way that leadeth unto 
death. But let any become conscious of their danger and "ilee from 
the wrath to come." Let them knock at the Door of Mercy, and con- 
fess their sins, then Satan at once applies his arts and skill in en- 
deavoring to lure such back, by promising them all manner of pleas- 
ure, and pointing out to them the hardships of a christian life. It is 
dangerous, therefore, for any to be indiflferent or lurking in their ap- 
proach anto the Lord, for unless there be a firm resolve to follow 
after the Lord, Satan will tempt such to delay until a "more con- 
venient season, " which, in all probability, will be never. To become 
a true follower of Christ one must be sincere, in earnest, seeking 
" Life, life, eternal life " as the chief aim. 

Many indeed, start out for heaven in company with others, but 
at last enter heaven all alone. Because their friends grew lukewarm 
and indifferent, and turned back again into the world, as did Pliable 
who followed Christian for a short journey, so, meeting with discour- 
agements, many turn back. Alas, how often is this true in life? 
Many husbands and wives starting for the heavenly home together 
parted before reaching the end of the journey, one patiently running 
the race set before them, while the other grew weary in well doing, 
and returned to the world, the flesh, and the devil. Oc, perhaps it 
was a brother and sister who started together at the altar, at the 

17 



t-ime of their confirmation or profession of faith. For a short time 
they traveled tog-ether, but one or the other became careless and in- 
different, turning back to the place from whence they came, while the 
other was left to go alone along the way to glory. Many thus start 
together in churches, kneeling beside each other at the same altar, 
professing Christ at the same time, but one by one of the number 
drifts away, and falls back into the world again, leaving the "few 
that be saved " to continue on in the good way they started. A call 
of the roll in every church would disclose such facts, and what sad 
facts they are ! Thus, congregations, families, and friends, start to- 
gether on the heavenly journey, yet how many are left to enter heaven 
alone because others have renounced the faith by neglect and will- 
ful sins ! 

Having passed in through the "Gate, " Christian was pointed to 
" The straight and narrow way'' 
-and ordered to pursue it. After all, there is but one right way, and 
that road is "straight and narrow." The way of the world is so 
broad that "many go that way. " It is so easy, that without effort 
many travel it. It requires prudence and effort to keep in the " nar- 
row path that leads unto life everlasting, " and for that reason it is 
-written, ' ' Strive to enter, ' ' implying the effort required. A thousand 
and one different paths cross and recross the " narrow way " and un- 
less the pilgrim is watchful of his steps and attentive to the instruc- 
tions given at the start, he will step aside from the right path into 
the way of sin and death. All along the way are Syren voices and 
temptations to lure the christian aside from that which is holy. 

Keeping in the " narrow way " Christian finally came to a beauti- 
ful dwelling known as 

" The house oj the Intrepreter.^^ 
This was to represent the work of the Holy Spirit, in revealing to 
man the things that make wise unto salvation, by awakening within 
him, not only the conviction of sin, but the danger of falling away 
from grace. 

In the house of the Interpreter Christian was shown a room into 
^hich was called a man who swept it. This created so very much 
^ust, that Christian was almost choked. Then water was sprinkled 

i8 




in the room and thne dust settled. This 
clearly represented the futile effort of the 
law to cleanse the soul of sin, and the need 
of the Gospel of Love to wash and cleanse ; 
it also illustrates the condition of many 
whose christian experience is most sorely 
neg-lected. The soul might be represented 
as having- different apartments, but un- 
happily, "the parlor " as in the house of 
the Interpreter, is frequently neglected. 
The very best part is allowed to become 
covered with the dust of neglect. Some 
professors of religion think it sufficient if they serve Christ only in 
part, retaining for their own use whatever they may deem advisable. 
Such persons but naturally reserve for themselves the best, "the 
parlor, '' while they dedicate to Christ the "kitchen, " the crumbs 
and off-falls. 

It is no wonder that when the Lord comes to such and gives them 
a good sweeping by the Gospel of true consecration that the very 
dust is such as to almost "choke" the poor unfortunate creatures, 
for in their slothfulness the dust has so accumulated that when once 
the Lord takes hold of them, they are surprised to see how dusty and 
corrupt have become their lives. No wonder that at death many 
such quake, fear and tremble, since their condition is a miserable 
illustration of their past neglect. 

In that same house of the Interpreter, Christian was further 
shown another room in which sat two children, each one on a chair. 
Their names were respectively, 

"■Passion and Patience.'' 
The one. Passion, was eager for every thing he could lay his hands 
on, while Patience sat willing to wait for the time when he was to re- 
ceive what belonged to him. It so happened, therefore, that at the 
time when Patience began to receive his portion of good things, then 
Passion had consumed all his and had utterly nothing left. What a 
revelation of such as are concerned in this life only for the things 
which satisfy for the present ! Many like Dives have their day of 

19 



good things now, to the envy of others. They have every thing the 
heart could possibly crave, and regardless Of the hereafter, they 
"eat, drink and are merry," while others, who are looked upon as 
less fortunate, have little more than " the crumbs that fall from the 
rich man's table." The man of the world has his good things now, 
while the Christian is patiently waiting for his best to begin at the 
time when the man of the world has nothing left. The pleasures of 
sin at best are but for a very short season,, and then, like the child 
'■ Passion," they in turn have anguish and remorse, while the "good 
things " that await the Christian are everlasting. 

The christian, therefore, needs to learn to be patient, and not 
grow weary in well doing : " for in due season we shall reap, if we 
faint not." While godliness is profitable unto all things, having- 
even the promise of the life that now is, (for such as faithfully serve 
God are truly profited in this present life,) yet, the best is kept in 
store for the christian until the next life. The path of the just, 
accordingly, does not only "shine more and more" as each day 
passes by, but "unto the perfect day," the day when the christian 
shall realize the force of the words of the Psalmist, when he wrote, 
saying : "I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." 

There was still another room in the house of the Interpreter 
that greatly impressed Christian, for in it he saw a fire burning 
beside a wall, and although a man stood there pouring water on the 
flame, yet, it burned higher and hotter. Upon investigation, how- 
ever, it was discovered that unseen, just behind the wall, stood 
another who was quietly and constantly pouring oil into the fire. 

This is a forcible illustration of the manner in which the grace 
of God works in the heart of man. While the grace is there as the 
gift of God, yet Satan stands pouring upon it all manner of hin- 
drances, such as might put out the flames of love; kindled in the 
heart. Once a christian, does not mean that the work is forever 
done, for there is need of constant attention lest the flres upon the 
altar of the heart die out, and nothing but the dark ashes of a sinful 
life remain, instead. Too many seem to think that when once they 
have knelt at the altar, and there made a public profession of their 
faith in the Lord, that then all is done, and they have nothing more 



to do. As well say, when a young- man leaves College with his 
Diploma, that then all his work is done, as to say that the mere 
profession of Christ concludes the christian's work. The diploma 
does not make a man a Physician, Lawyer or Minister. When a man 
graduates from college he first begins his life's work. And so it is 
with young- converts ; they are only beginning- their work in the Mas- 
ter's Vineyard, and unless they are conscious of this fact, and at once 
go to work for Jesus, they will soon allow their faith to die out, for 
Satan stands ready to extinguish the spark of life as kindled upon 
the altar of the heart by Christ. It is because of this, that Christ, 
Himself, like the unseen man, stands by the christian constantly fan- 
ning- into flames, the oil of salvation which He adds to the young 
convert in and through the means of grace. It is, accordingly, often 
asked why certain ones are enabled to stand so firm for Christ. The 
answer might well be given by saying, it is because they themselves 
are true to their trust, faithful upon the means of grace, and hence, 
although unseen by the outside world, yet, Christ stands constantly 
by the side of the faithful " so that as their day, so is their strength." 
Such as are faithful to their trust may take assurance from on high 
in Christ's own promise when He said, " I will not leave nor forsake 
you. Lo I am with you always." 

A last scene in the house of the Interpreter that specially moved 
Christian was that of a man who was shut up in an iron cage in a 
dark room. The best explanation of this is given in the man's own 
words, as to why he was there thus in misery. "I left off to watch 
and be sober ; I laid the reins upon the neck of my lusts ; I sinned 
against the light of the word, and the goodness of God ; I have 
grieved the Spirit and He is gone ; I tempted the devil and he is 
come to me ; I have so hardened my heart that I cannot repent." 

What an awful but real picture of the backslider ! Shakespeare 
expresses this condition when he says : 

"In the corrupted currents of this world, ofi'ence's gilded hand may 
shove by justice ; and oft 'tis seen, the wicked purse itself buys out 
the law; but," says he, "'tis not so above: There is no shuffling, 
there the action lies in his true nature ; and we ourselves compelled, 
even to the teeth and forehead of our faults, to give in evidence." 



And what an evidence for many at the final day ! The same poet 
asks : 

" What then ? what rests ? 

Try what repentence can ; what it cannot ? 

Yet, what can it, when one cannot repent ? 

O wretched state ! O bosom, black as death ! 

O lined soul, that struggling- to be free, 

Art more engaged I Help, angels I make assay : 

Bow, stubborn knees, and, heart, with strings of steel, 

Be soft as sinews of the new-born babe." 
Yes, bow humbly before God if you are a backslider, and there 
implore His forgiveness, lest your experience be that of others who 
have gone before you. After all, there is nothing in the world with 
its sinful allurements, for the dejected man in the iron cage expressed 
his disappointment in the words, "The lust, pleasures, and profits of 
this world ; in the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself 
much delight : but now every one of those things also bite mo, and 
gnaw me like a burning worm." 

Few persons ever get much satisfaction out of sin, but very many 
find in it only "sorrow and vexation of spirit." No one, therefore, 
needs to experiment with sin for the sake of experience, for the his- 
tory of many unfortunates suffices to prove sin a great curse. 

Every one should accordingly take heed to his conduct and walk 
in life, and not leave oflf the duties of a christian for the pleasures of 
the world and selfish gratification, lest unawares the reins be laid 
upon the neck of sinful lust, and the Holy Spirit grieved. The mul- 
tiplication of little neglects of duty, and the committing of little 
sins, finally form a habit for evil doing, and gradually, and uncon- 
sciously the grieved Spirit takes His flight, and the backslider is 
eft alone, his heart so hardened as to render it impossible for the 
unfortunate ever more to repent. Thus, such are left like the 
abandoned vessel, from which has gone forth the captain ; the anchor 
is cut loose from its moorings, while the vessel is left to drift, and 
drift on out into the great sea, at last to sink into the great deep, 
and be lost. 

Thus, the soul that grieves the Holy Spirit, causing the Spirit to 
take His flight, is cut loose from its moorings upon the Rock Christ 



Jesus, and Christ as the Captain of salvation has gone forth frona 
the soul, while in its wrecked condition it drifts on out into the dark, 
drifting- on and on, until at last the soul dashes out of sight into 
outer darkness. Suppose that soul be the soul of your father or 
mother, or the soul of your brother or sister ! Suppose that it were 
yowY own soul! "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye 
are sealed unto the day of redemption,*' but rather earnestly appeal 
to the Holy Spirit for help, crying out in deep sincerity : 

' Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove, 
With all thy power divine, 

Kindle a flame of sacred love, 
In this cold heart of mine.' 



23 



CHAPTER III. 
LOOSING THE BURDEN AT THE CROSS. 



,HRISTIAN finally departed from the " House of Interpreta- 



tion, " and resumed his journey along- a road, on either side 
of which was a wall. This would remind us of the way of 
salvation which is in a large sense a " walled highway, " up which 
the traveler to Zion is to journey. While there are many oppor- 
tunities to step aside from the right path, nevertheless, in a large 
measure God protects it for the christian with the walls of salvation 
so as to hedge up the way, and thereby keep the christian from being 
lured away into paths of sin. Often Providence hedges up a man's 
way with " thorns, " not from hatred, but from love. The hedge 
along the roadside is to keep the traveler in the right path, and such 
as press through it into some other way are usually punished for the 
same f I'om the bruises incurred by such violation. This is the man- 
ner of God in protecting oar way to glory, and such as press through 
the "hedge " suffer, for the " way of the transgressor is hard. " In 
order to save many from such wanderings, God places along the way- 
side "hedges" in the form of sickness, misfortune, bereavement, 
all of which wall up the way of the traveler so as to keep him in the 
path that leads to the land where sorrow is unknown. 

Following along the "walled highway" Christian went on with 
the " burden " upon his back until at last he came to a Cross. Stand- 
ing before it, in deep penitence, he beheld a chasm near its base and 
there 

Before the Cross he lost his Burden. 

This is to teach us of the power of the Cross of Christ. Many are 
they who are bearing burdens. There is a mighty army of sinners 
bearing loads so heavy that they are being crushed beneath the 
weight of their transgressions. Sin is a most grievous burden, and 
beneath its weight many fall crushed to death, to appear before the 

24 



bar of God without pardon. Such, however, as feel their burden of 
sin, sorely repenting- of the same, g^oing- to Christ for the removal 
of that burden, such find relief, for Christ is the One to remove all 
burdens. If, therefore, those who are in sin would go to Christ, and 
there before Him unbosom all, and having thus made a clear confes- 
sion, be truly sorry and ask God's forgiveness, they could, like 
Christian of old, walk away with the burden rolled from their heart 
and soul. God does not stop to inquire into the greatness of the sin, 
but into the nature ol the confession and repentance of the sinner, and 
such as come in the proper spirit of meekness and humility, receive 
the entire forgiveness of their sins, even though their sins may have 
been as scarlet, or red as crimson. When once God has forgiven and 
Christ washed those sins in His own blood through His Atonement, 
then those very sins of scarlet and crimson, become as snow and as 
wool, for they have been washed and made white in the blood of the 
Lamb. The great misfortune with many is they want to wash away 
their sins with their own bloody hands, and when they have finished 
their effort, they discover the leprous spots still remain. Nothing 
but the blood of Jesus can atone for our sins, and God Himself real- 
ized this fact, otherwise why would He have required the death of 
His only beloved Son to atone for the sins of the world? For cen- 
turies the world tried other methods, but none could make the comers 
thereunto perfect. Only Christ could make full atonement. 

But there are other burdens than sin, under which many are op- 
pressed. Doubt, hangs upon the hearts of many like a heavy weight. 
When Thomas doubted the testimony of the disciples concerning the 
fact of Christ's resurrection, he had upon his heart a burden of which 
the world never knew, for he was the one of the eleven to refuse to 
believe in the resurrection. When, however, he saw the risen Sav- 
iour, then there was rolled from him a burden, the burden of un- 
belief. To bear long that burden is to become dwarfed in christian 
experience, and the weight of it will drag down the soul to darkness 
and infidelity. There is also the burden of sorrow that hangs heavily 
upon the souls of many. What an army of sorrowing mortals are 
marching along the highway of life. The very countenance of many 
tells of the burden of sorrow at heart, while there are still others 

25 



who, apparently happy, yet, have sorrows known only to themselves 
and their God. Smiles as they appear upon the faces of many are 
forced, while deep down in the soul, hidden from the world, there lies 
the secret germ of sorrow, doing- deadly work. There is also the 
burden of bereavement that has weighed down many into conditions 
that hasten on the heavy-laden to untimely graves. Racliels weeping 
for their children, because they are not, and Naomis traveling along 
the great highway of life,, apparently "empty" of all that would 
cheer life's journey. Then, too, there is a class of persons bearing 
the burden of despondency, which has proven a millstone to drag 
many down to an untimely death. Many such are hiding away in 
the wilderness of loneliness and misery, desiring rather to die and 
depart than to live and fa^e life's conflict. The charms of life to 
them appear to have vanished, while the rugged path and the thorny 
way seem all that is left. 

Once they had many friends, but now they are all gone. Once 
they had plenty of this world's goods, but their wealth has vanished 
like the dew before the rising sun. Once they were kindly greeted 
and even courted, but now they, like Diogenes of old, are com])elled 
to look with a lantern at broad daylight for some one who would be 
willing to lend a helping hand. Once hope was bright, but now it is 
a stranger. Stranded thus amid these unfortunate surroundings, 
man is often heavily burdened, and some such would even blow out 
the candle of life, rather than see it flicker in the few remaining drops 
of oil. But before all these, there is a place where they may come 
and find relief. It is at the Cross of Christ. 

"At the cross, and beneath it only. 
Finds the troubled heart relief. 
There's a balm beneath its shadow, 
That can soothe all earthly griefs. 

" Trials come and tempests scatter, 

All our earthly hopes to dust, 
Yet we find relief and refuge, 

'Neath the cross of Him we trust. 

'' Oh, how sweet to know that ever. 

We've a friend that loves us true, 
Wlio will never, never leave us. 

Never veil His cross from view. 

26 



•'Blessed Saviour, wilt Thou ever, 

Keep us humbly at Thy cross, 
Hiding- ever 'neath its shadow, 

Counting all beside but dross. 

"Blessed cross on which our Saviour, 

Bled and died that we might live. 
Unto all who hide beneath it. 

He eternal life will give." 

If only more of the burdened of life would g-o to Christ, and there 
unbosom all to that Friend that loves even better than a brother, then 
there would be far less wounded at heart, and more happy saints of 
the Lord here on eai'th. 

Scarcely had Christian thus knelt at the cross, before 
" Three Shining Ones " 
appeared to him, bidding- him peace. He was then divested of his 
raiment and a new outfit given him instead. He was not first scolded 
for his sins, but was lovingly forgiven upon his proper repentance, 
and while he was deprived of that which he wore yet he was supplied 
with something far better. 

So Christ deals with His followers. When He asks a man to deny 
self and become a follower of Him, Christ does not ask for al) man 
may happen to cherish and give him nothing in return, but for the 
few crumbs man gives Christ, he in return receives the loaves, and 
for the few rags he gives, he in return receives that which, beside 
making him feel most comfortable, makes him appear most honorable 
in the sight of all men. The young man who left the swine herd for 
a sumptuous repast at his father's table, did not make a very great 
sacrifice. It is no sacrifice, for the same reason, for one to give up 
the pleasures of the world for the gift of / ^v 

eternal life, for when once that gift has g i^ ' . 

been bestowed, then all "other things " .« '^^ 

are added. The men or the women of the 
world do not know vvhat God has in store 
for those that love Him, for never having 
tasted of the good things of Christ, they 
are looking through a glass darkly. If 
many of our young men and women would 



27 




more sincerely consecrate themselves to Christ aiid His service, they 
would discover pleasures unspeakable, for while the world may give 
momentary gratification, the Gospel of Christ gives pleasure and sat- 
isfaction at a time when the world can do nothing for us. Moses, 
therefore, very wisely refused the pleasures of sin which were "but 
for a season," choosing instead "the afflictions of God's people " that 
in the end he might have eternal joy and happiness. 

In order that Christian might not wander from the path, but 
have pointed out to him the proper way, 

He was given a ^'RoW 
which told of the journey and the proper way, while at the same 
time a " Seal " was placed upon his forehead. God would not have 
His followers left in darkness as to what is their duty, but His Word 
is given " as a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their pathway.'^ 

" Whenever I am in doubt, or when I am discouraged, I read my 
Bible, and somehow I find in it that which helps me, " is doubtless 
the experience of many. God's word is a most essential Guide Book 
on our way to the Heavenly City, and the more familiar we are with 
it, and the more we observe its instructions, the more progress will 
we make in our journey, and the less regrets will we have at the end 
ot the way. The proper use of the Bible will help to preserve the 
seal of God's pardoning love upon the heart, as placed there by the 
power of the Holy Ghost, whereby we "are sealed unto the day of 
redemption. " IMeglect the "roll " of God's word, and the seal of 
the covenant of grace will sooner or later be broken. Dusty Bible& 
in the home are often indicative of broken " seals " of grace. It 
does not speak well for a christian to be indifferent to his or her 
Bible. Nor should the Bible be stored away like medicine to be used 
only when occasion demands. Many are the spiritual ills which 
might be avoided Ai more time were spent in reading the Divine 
Truth, and less time spent in reading much of the poisonous literature 
of the day. Many negligent christians in this- respect fall asleep^ 
like the three men whom Christian met. He tried with great diffi- 
culty to arouse them, but, half asleep each one offered an excuse and 
asked to be left alone " for a little more sleep. " 



28 



Alas, how like many in life, wiio, instead of dilligently " running 
* the race before them, " are fast asleep ! Many such are indeed " like 
them that sleep on the top of a mast. " They are exposed to the 
greatest danger, not knowing at what moment an unexpected storm 
may arise and they be hurled to despair, yet, they appear unconsci- 
ous of all danger and imminent peril. Death overtakes many as a 
thief in the night, and when least prepared, they are called to appear 
at the bar of God for the final rendering of their accounts. Only the 
last will avails, making all former null and void. This is also true in 
a spiritual sense. The mere fact of having made a "will " at the 
time of conversion and confession of Christ, does not guarantee a 
passport into heaven. It depends upon the life of the person after^ 
the will has been made. Each day, in a sense, man makes a different. 
will to God. His actions, words, and whole life's conduct constitute 
the will, and although man may not literally write it, yet, the angel 
of the Lord records all, and the last day of a man's life forms in a 
large sense his final will, and unless, therefore, he prove "faithful 
unto death" he cannot expect the "crown of life." 

But Christian himself unfortunately fell into a deep sleep. As ia 
all important undertakings there are 

" Hills of Difficulty " 
to ascend, so in the way to the Celestial City, there are some parts^ 
of the road that require special effort to reach the summit. While 
there is much to stimulate, there is also much to discourage, and un- 
less the follower of the Lord be in earnest, he will grow weary before 
he reaches the end of his journey. When, therefore, Christian was 
ascending a steep hill, and found midway up a beautiful arbor, he sat 
down in the cool shade and rested. It was a temptation to which 
many others would have yielded. In fact, Satan seems often to pre- 
pare just such places along the way of the christian pilgrim, if per- 
chance he might thereby cause man to stop for a time from his 
christian activities. Many have thus gone on for a time faithfully 
serving God and His cause, until at last a seeming opportunity pre- 
sented itself for them to discontinue their work, and, like Christiart 
of old, they sat down to rest for a time. It is so very natural that it. 
is frequently practiced. But, alas, Christian lived to regret his de^ 

29 



cision I So long as he rested from his journey and slept in the arbor 
he was doubtless satisfied, but when once his eyes were opened to 
the real condition of affairs, then he most bitterly lamented his having 
stopped by the way, for in his slumber he accidentally lost the Roll 
from his bosom where it had been kept, and when later on in his 
journey he was beset with dangers and reached for the Roll he found 
it was missing. But he searched in vain, for it could no where be 
found. He at once began to retrace his steps, and did not find the 
RolJ until he came back to the arbor where he had slept. Then was 
there sore regret, for he realized the lost time and the many unneces- 
sary steps which were required, because of his having slept at the 
shady nook. No wonder that he lamented, saying, "O that I should 
sleep in the day time I " And so, many will sooner or later utter the 
same lament, for in their day of grace they have no time to idly sleep 
away their precious hours, but are rather enjoined to " ledeem the 
time, " and not " be at ease in Zion." 

Such as hang their harps on the willows, and sit down to rest 
while there is yet work to be done, will have no lawful excuse to offer 
God at the hour of judgment; and at a time when they least expect 
the importance of faithful consecration, they will discover the folly 
of having sinned away opportunities of grace. 

There may arise discouragements by the way, yet discourage- 
ments are no excuse for slothfulness in the Master's service, for 
Christ Himself was " a man of sorrows, " but He never ceased to do 
His Father's will. Notwithstanding there were some, and even many 
to oppose Him in His work, nevertheless, He ever " went about doing 
good," and would not cease to "do the will of the Father " merely 
because some people didn't like Him. Even though all forsook Him 
and fled, yet He was true to His mission and did not abandon the 
work He began, but was "faithful unto death." And, says the 
apostle, "Let the mind which was in Christ be also in you, " and 
seek not your own pleasure. 

When once the day of wrath shall come, and man be found 
wanting in the sight of God, then he will have only regrets for not 
having been faithful to the trust assigned him. And' even such as 
sleep by the way, and afterward are enabled to receive the pardon of 

30 




God for their folly, should life be prolonged 
enough, yet, what is the lament ! Surely, 
there can be no satisfaction for a christian 
man or woman who has opportunity to serve 
God, to sit idly by and watch others, and 
then at the close of life, repent of the sins, 
and go along the journey with the regret, 
"O that I had not slept!" "How many 
steps have I taken in vain ! " Many have 
thus wandered from the way to glory to re- 
gret later the folly of thus having to start 
the journey over again, while others are cut 
down without an opportunity of retracing their steps, and beginning 
anew the way to the new life as it is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Happily for Christian, he found the Roll again. He was then 
more eager than ever to resume his journe) , for he was fearful of the 
results of such experiences. 

Presently there loomed up before him in the distance the appear- 
ance of a most beautiful Palace. This was indeed an unexpected 
pleasure to him, for, doubtless, he felt he was not deserving of such 
bapp3/ glimpses so soon after his unfortunate experience, and yet, it 
taught him that just beyond where we are often tempted to turn back, 
there lies 

The ''palace beautiful, " 
where God has in store for us rich blessings. Many, indeed, have 
turned back almost in sight of home, and been denied that which a 
few more efforts would have achieved. 

The abandoned mine has often great riches just a few feet below 
the depth already dug, and so many have ceased their service for 
the Master just at a time when bright glimpses were about to appear 
and happy returns for all sacrifice made. But before reaching these 
beautiful places along life's journey we must not forget there are 
*' lions " to pass, which are alongside the way. Nor is it wise to 
turn back because such "lions" may appear dangerous, for if we 
are truly sincere in our work, then the "lions " can do us no harm, 
but will be, as they were for Christian, "chained." Troubles often 

31 



ise up before us like lions along the way of life, until at times it ap- 
pears as if we could go no farther, but we should trust in God and 
faithfully go ahead, for "the lions are chained." Many have thas- 
gone on past the lions along life's pathway, greatly trembling, whea 
at the same time there was the "still small voice" calling to them, 
"fear no danger." 

Press on then nobly amid all the trials of life, for although they 
may appear as " lions," yet they are chained, and Christ says, "Fear 
not for when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and 
when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned. Lo, I 
am with you always." 

E'en through death's valley I should trod 
And there give up a friend to God, 
Yet why should I tremble and fear 
For Christ my Friend is very near. 

In days of grief He by me stood, 

And always has been very good. 

When night was dark and all things drear» 

Yet Christ my Friend stood very near. 

Oh anxious soul lift up gloom's veil, 
For Christ's strong arm will never fail. 
Then why tremble and be in fear, 
For Christ your Friend is very near. 



32 



CHAPTER IV. 

VALLEY OF HUMILIATION AND CONFLICT WITH 

APOLLYON. 

HRISTIAN finally arrived at the House Beautiful and re- 
ceived a most delightful reception. Indeed he might well 
feel repaid for all he encountered, for it was such a lovely 
place that he appeared almost unwilling- to leave it. In a certain 
sense this is true of the faithful worshipper of God in the Chui'ch^ 
the Palace Beautiful. It is such a beautiful place that we are there 
enjoined to " worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, " and the 
Psalmist when opportunity afforded, was glad when they said unto 
him " let us go into the house of the Lord. " Many indeed have since 
then realized the truth of his own sweet experience, for to sincere and 
faithful christians, worship in God's Sanctuary affords them their 
chief pleasure. Many are the happy experiences in God's house, and 
songs of praise to Him are there sung as only the pure in heart know 
the joy thereof. As in the " House Beautiful " Christian was met by 
most holy persons, who had charge of the place, so in God's house 
where the name of the Lord is recorded, there the Lord Himself meets 
with his people according to His promise to meet with even " two or 
three gathered in His name, " and where the Lord records His name, 
there he is waiting to greet His people. It is this that makes a place 
of worship different from all other gatherings, for God is there to 
meet with such as have assembled in His name. His presence is a 
benediction, so that the Lord being in his holy temple, the earth but 
naturally keeps silent so far as worldly matters are concerned in the 
Church of God. The world is left on the outside, or at least should 
be, while the church is a place for service and worship of God. 
Things pertaining to the world and business concerns, should not be 
carried into the church by the worshippers. 

It is an offence to God for any one to come before Him in wor- 
ship in the sanctuary with the mind and heart full of worldly plans. 

34 



Nor should there be uttered in God's house at worship, those things 
which would tend to take the mind from things holy. Unhappily, 
Satan often has given unto him a large field for his mission, for while 
the word of God is preached, yet, many receive it as on stony places, 
and before they have reached their homes from the place of worship^ 
they have allowed the devil to gather up all the good seed that was 
sown. 

In the House Beautiful, Christian was asked why he had not 
brought along with him his wife and children. His answer was that 
which is common to many of even the present da,y. As regards his 
wife, she would not go with him, because she was unwilling to give 
up the things of the world. Like Lot's wife of old, she seemed to 
think more of worldly matters than of things spiritual. Nor was she 
alone in this respect, for like her, many other wives seem more con- 
cerned about " much serving " than about the " one thing needful. " 
The wife is not required of God to neglect her household duties, but 
rather enjoined to " look well to the ways of her own household.'" 
And yet, to make the care of her household affairs her god, or her 
very first and chief consideration, is a great mistake, for she has en- 
joined upon her to " seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness, " and then all these other things " shall be added unto " her. 
Then too. Christian's children had a very common excuse for refus- 
ing to follow after their father in the service of the Lord. They were 
" given to the foolish, delights of youth. " Youth has its foolish de- 
lights and very many of the young give way to these empty pleasures. 

To speak to many young people about the "foolish delights of 
youth " is almost a waste of breath, for they refuse to be convinced 
that the delights are "foolish. " They will listen, many of them, to 
the exhortations and warnings, but it is like pouring water into a 
sieve, for it is soon all gone, they fail to retain any of the good 
counsel. They resolve first to try for themselves, but many soon 
learn to know great disappointment and regret. In, some matters ex- 
perience is a very expensive teacher, and a long time is often re- 
quired to pay the bill, to say nothing of the shame and remorse 

Before Christian resumed his journey he was sent into an armory 
where he was " harnessed from head to foot, " Doubtless at the time 

35 



lie failed to appreciate the need of being thus protected, but later on 
he discovered that without such a previous preparation, he would 
have fallen a prey to the enemy. All manner of devices have been 
used for making- life-saving garments. Even to-day many are secretly 
wearing such means of defense against the assasin's bullet or dagger. 
But what are all such dangers compared with the spiritual wounds 
that are being daily received by the multitude. Not only are the 
rich and rulers exposed to such "fiery darts " from the enemy, but 
the poorest and the humblest all are thus exposed. Beelzebub was 
ready from his castle to hurl the arrows, and since the day that the 
devil watched his opportunity to capture Eve, he has ever since been 
secretly watching for the best opportunity to capture the unwary and 
innocent. David felt the poisoned arrow as it pierced deep into his 
Tery soul, and filled him with bitter remorse. Peter was captured by 
the assassin, the devil, even to denying his own Master, and was 
saved at last only by the mercy of the Lord, saved as "a brand 
plucked from the fire. ' ' The christian armor, therefore, is an es- 
sential matter for the security of the man who would safely reach the 
Celestial City. 

Thus equipped, Christian started to descend a steep hill. In do- 
ing so he was warned against the danger of the descent. And he dis- 
covered the need of the warning before he had entirely descended into 

Ihe Valley of Humiliation^ 
for while it is hard to ascend the Hill "Difficulty," it is equally 
dangerous to descend into the Valley of Humiliation, and like 
Christian, many stumble in the effort. It is no easy matter for one 
to step down from a high place of prominence into an obscure place 
of humiliation. Few people like to be told to go down lower, but 
most prefer to be invited to " come up higher. " And yet, the Valley 
of Humiliation has a place in the life of every one. The most fertile 
soil is usually found down in the valley. There usually are to be 
found the tallest trees. And so it is in spiritual things. The man 
who lives constantly on the summit of prosperity and unadulterated 
happiness, is not calculated to be the best type of a christian. All 
sunshine would not develop a beautiful rose. Showers are needed 
^to give color and fragrance. Like the flower, the character is best 

36 



developed with both t;anshine and shower?, joy atid soitow, hills and 
valleys. Joseph was a much better man because of his experience 
down in the Valley of Humiliation. The pit and the prison hours 
were at the time most g-rievous, but in the end they all proved step- 
ping- stones to the throne of Egypt. To travel in this lonely valley 
of sorrow all alone, without the hand of the Lord to lead us, is to 
travel a most dismal road, and one where death would be preferable 
to life. But when the Lord is with the traveler, and His peace is his 
streng-th, then, all can be endured for Christ's sake, and the pilgrim 
^oes on his way rejoicing-, even unto death itself. When Louis XVI 
of France was on his way to execution, exposed to the most insulting 
clamor of the rag-ing mob, he traveled through the very deepe&t 
valley of humiliation. When at the place of execution, the execu- 
tioners came with cords to bind him to the plank, he most seriously 
objected. "No! no!" he exclaimed, "I wiM never submit to that, 
do your business, but you shall not bind me. " When, however, the 
king turned to his confessor, as if for counsel, and was told by his 
spiritual adviser to submit to this fresh outrage, as the last resem- 
blance to the Saviour who would soon recompense him for all his 
sufferings, Louis replied, '"Assuredly there needed nothing less than 
the example of the Saviour to induce me to submit to such an indig- 
nity. " Then reaching out his hands to his executioners he said, 
"■ Do as you will ; I will drink the cup to the dregs. " With such 
resignation in the valley of humiliation, we may well appreciate 
King Louis' words when he said, approaching the scaffold, ''How 
happy am I that I maintained my christian faith while on the throne ! 
What would have been my condition now, were it not for this hope ? " 
It were indeed well for many to consider seriously the importance of 
having Christ as their Saviour while 
they are on the throne, — in health and 
prosperity, for when once they are led 

down into deep humiliation, then it ^— ^ , -i" x 

often proves too late and man's eyes *" 
are opened to see the folly of the 
"foolish delights of youth." Take 

Christ along, and let come what may, . . - ' 

go where you will, and His " rod and staff they comfort" thee. 

37 



But Christian had scarcely reached the valley of humiliation be- 
fore he spied, off in the distance, coming- toward him, a most miser- 
able looking fiend, which proved none other than Apollyon, the 
devil himself. It is rather strange that any one would be willing to 
be found in company with such a hateful looking fiend, and yet, the 
devil seems to win over to his companionship many choice followers. 
It is not strange however that those very followers are unwilling- to 
confess that they are companions of the devil, for it is not much of a 
compliment to any one to be known as keeping company with such a 
repulsive looking creature. Notwithstanding all this, there are many 
who are daily walking in the very footsteps of Satan, fighting for him 
battles against the Lord and the church. It is truly painful to think 
of the bright promising young men and women who are in line with 
the evil one, and in refusing to become followers of Christ, they are 
in reality against Christ and for the adversary, for Christ has very 
distinctly said, " he that is not for me is against me." Even more 
than that, for He adds, " He that gathers not with me, scattereth. ^' 
Later on a most dreadful conflict took place between 

Christian and Apollyon. 
When the fiend discovered he could not persuade Christian to turn 
back and become one of his followers, he dealt heavy blows upon 
him, until at length he overpowered him, and was about to give the 
last blow of death when Christian seized the sword which he had let 
fall in the struggle, and with it he drove ofif the enemy, and escaped 
with but a few bruises, which were afterward quickly healed by one 
who placed upon them leaves from the tree of life. 

Bunyan's Christian, in his conflict with Apollyon in the Valley of 
Humiliation, is but typical of the conflict of many young men in the 
same valley. Discouragement, misfortune, failure have ovet-taken 
them, and for the time they feel humbled. In this hour of weakness 
Satan appears to them with all manner of offers which he is unable 
to fulfill. At such times of momentary weakness, many of the young 
yield and fall a prey to the enemy. Notwithstanding the fact, many 
of these very young men may have had good early training both at 
home and in the church, yet, perhaps away from home in a strange 
city among strangers, they are taken off their guard, and ere they 

38 



ai*e aware, in their conflict with sin and temptation, Satan gets the 
advantage over them, and like Christian of old, in the struggle the 
young man often lets his weapons of defense fall from his hands. Oh 
the awful conflicts that are being waged between the devil and many 
of our once promising and noble young men. Men who at one time 
were duly qualified to occupy places of honor and trust, where they 
might have been a blessing to the age in which they live. But alas 
for many such, they have yielded to temptation, they have sinned 
against the early teachings of their christian mothers. They have 
turned their back upon the church, and are being fleeced by the fol- 
lowers of the adversary, the devil, whose arrows are being hurled at 
them from various points of attack. Many indeed of the once strong 
young men are thus attacked and are under control of the enemy. 
Strong drink has taken hold of them with its cold iroii grasp, that 
they are almost as helpless as babes, and while one by one of the 
poisoned arrows are being hurled at these men of promise, the very 
angels look down with pity, eagerly watching, and wishing to help 
them, lest the last deadly blow be given and all be over. While som^ 
of the young men are thus falling from strong drink, manj others are 
being captured by evil associates. Little by little their poisonous 
influence is exerted upon the once innocent mind, until at last inno- 
cence is a thing of the past, and boldness in sin takes its place. If 
only our young could be convinced more and more of the evil influence s 
of wicked companions! Not only are they judged by their associates, 
but many are corrupted by evil environments. Step by step they 
walk into the net spread by the enemy, until at last they are ensnared. 
In fact, our young people are not as wise as are birds ; for when 
once birds have discovered that a net has been spread for them they 
keep far away from it. Conscious as every one must be that evil 
nets are spread, and as manifest as are many of such places, yet, 
with their eyes wide open, they walk into the very places where they 
know death awaits them, for "the wages of sin is death. " Let a 
young man once lose his character, and he has lost his best friend 
and very passport into success, and a life of usefulness. 

When in prison, Bunyan had sent to him a rosebush as a memorial 
of old friendship. At first he looked upon it with great admiration as 

39 



do many at the first appearance of sin. Tiie rose-bush later on g-rew 
a rose which attracted the lone prisoner moi'e than ever. But when 
he went to pluck the rose it pricked his fingers. So it is with many 
of the sinful pleasures of life. At first they promise much, but when 
once they are plucked, then are discovered the hidden thorns, and 
many are left to go about with a ^rounded character and a saddened 
heart. The momentary gratification of sinful pleasures will not 
compensate for the lasting pangs of a guilty conscience, and many 
would gladly undo the past if it were only in their power to do so. 

Some of the strongest men have fallen by the arrows of the evil 
one ; even Peter, David, Solomon, Samson, and a host of mighty 
ones have been overcome by him that is ever " going about seeking 
whom he may devour. " The misfortune with many is, they boast of 
their own strength, forgetting that others just as strong as them- 
selves have yielded to temptation, and have had woven about them 
sinful habits, which at last bound them hand and foot, and robbed 
them of all that at one time was bright and hopeful. Could the 
secret history of many of the more unfortunate of life be known, it 
would be a tale of woe, and it would be discovered that sin was at the 
root, gnawing away the very sap of life and honorable success. God 
is accordingly blamed for much for which He is not responsible. 
Man has too often planted the thorn in his own pillow, for which he 
blames God. It was no fault of the Lord that the prodigal was 
clothed with rags, and assigned to a place among the swine. The 
young man paved his own way and walked in it, as a preference of 
his own choice. When once he landed at the wretched place, then 
his eyes were opened to the end of his journey, but it was too late. 
It were well if many could only see on ahead to the end of the path 
they are traveling, for seeing the wretched end, they would doubtless 
at once turn back and start life over again. 

And yet, there is apparently no excuse for such, for they might 
well profit by the sad experiences of others who have gone on before 
them, and whose repeated trials dolefully signal all others from 
traveling that same way. Surely, youth should profit by the ex- 
]>eriences of others, without wishing first to learn the " follies of 
youth " from their own personal experience. 

40 



Like Christian in '* Pilgrim'^ Progress, " such as are being- 
tempted and attacked by the adversary, the devil, should quickly 
seize their sv7ord, the Word of God, and with it put to flight the 
enemy, for the devil cannot argue against God's word, when that 
Word is properly used as the Sword of the Spirit. Unhappily many 
have sorely negflected the "Sword." At the time of their public pro- 
fession of faith in God at the altar, they were, apparently, ready to 
use it on all occasions, like Peter when he cut off the ear of Malchus. 
But soon afterward the Sword, God's Word, is lelt fall into disuse, 
and like an unused sword becomes dusty and rusty. In fact, there 
are doubtless those who would have some little difficulty in finding- 
the Sword, God's Word, for it has been so long since they used the 
same that they have forgotten when and where they last used it. Is 
it any wonder then that many of those who once professed the name 
of Jesus as their own Saviour, have since fallen away from grace and 
been conquered by the adversai'y, the devil? Such careless men iti 
battle would soon be captured by the enemy, for offering no resist- 
ance. Nor can we expect such as call themselves soldiers of the cross 
of Christ, to resist temptation and sin, when they stand unguarded 
against the assaults of the devil. Rather let every one be watchful 
and stand fast in the faith, quitting themselves like men of God. 
With the Sword of the Spirit, they can resist the devil and he will 
flee from them, and they stand conquerors through Him that loved 
them and gave Himself for them. 



4f 



CHAPTER V. 
VALLEY OF DEATH AND BREAK OF DAY. 

AFTER Christian's terrible conflict with Apollyon, and his 
triumph with the sword, he resumed his journey with 
'■^ Sword drawn in his hand,'" 
ior, said he, "I know not but some other enemy may be at hand. 

This should be the attitude of every christian, the " sword drawn 
in hand," for the time to prepare for an enemy is not when once that 
«nemy has laid his hand upon ^our shoulder, not wiien he has called 
upon you for a surrender, not when he has ensnared you in an evil 
net, but in the day of opportunity, in the day of your strength ; then 
is the time to prepare and be equipped for an attack. The builders 
of the wall under the instruction of their leader, Nehemiah, not 
only builded the wall, bui stood ready and prepared at any moment 
for an assault from the enemy. They labored with one hand in 
the erecting of the wall, while in the other hand they held a sword 
to protect self. The children of Israel were commanded to eat the 
Passover "standing" so that at a moment's notice they might be 
ready for action at the call of God. The sentinel stands ever ready 
for an invasion. There is no time for hunting the rifle and loading 
it when once the enemy stands in front of you. So in spiritual 
matters. Too many are indifferent, and hence are taken unawares. 
Had David been on duty faithfully discharging the same, he would not 
have fallen into the net and been captured. It was during a period 
of idleness that the devil got hold of him, and like him, many others 
have been captured by Satan, because they were not sufficiently 
watchful. The devil always finds employment for idle persons, and 
especially, idle christians. 

There is need of rekindling the fires upon the altar of many hearts 
that at one time were aglow for Christ, but since have become almost 
extinguished amid the ashes of indifference. Even the apostle Peter 

42 



found the deril got hold of him when he was off duty ; for when he 
stood idly by the f5res of the enemy w^arming himself, then having 
denied his Master, the evil one laid hands upon him and claimed 
him as one of his own. Think of it ! Peter, the apostle, denying 
his Saviour in the presence of a little servant girl, and later on 
cursing and swearing that he never knew Him ! Alas ! like him, 
many have since done likewise, if not in word at least in action, 
which speaks louder than words. Oh, christian man and woman, 
draw the sword for the cause of Christ, and march with "sw^ord 
drawn in hand." lest unexpectedly the enemy meet you, and un- 
guarded you fall ! When once you have fallen, then the enemy has 
double chances over you, and your way will be all the more difficult 
to travel. 

Nor was Christian mistaken in his expectation of meeting with 
enemies ; very soon he found himself in the very midst of 

" The Val/ey of the Shadow of Death,'' 
where he found two men retreating as fast as they possibly could, at 
the same time warning Christian against going on any farther in his 
journey, because of the dangers which^ beset the way. In this con- 
nection we are reminded of the spies sent^out to survey the land of 
Canaan. They returned almost frightened out of their wits, saying 
they had seen men like giants, and that the land was very unhealthy, 
for, said they, " It eateth up the inhabitants." Poor fellows, scared 
over a few discouragements which they magnified to mountains, 
saying, "We will not go." The idea of 
six hundred thousand marshalled men 
being afraid to march up against a body 
of men who were neither armed nor united , 
for the Canaanites were scattered ! But 
after all it is not so very strange, for even 
in this age of enlightenment and advanc- 
ement, there are many like the spies and 
the men whom Christian found letreating 
in the valley of the shadow of death. A 
few troubles rise up before them, a few 
discouragements, and they at once become 




alarmed and retire from the field of service, leaving- all the battles 
to be fought by a few who stand loyally to their posts. If only such 
retreating- ones would keep quiet, it would not be so bad, but dis- 
satisfied themselves, they try to make others dissatisfied, and thus do 
double harm to Christ, 

Oh, what would be the power of the church to-day if all who 
profess the name of Christ would be true to that profession I But, 
alas, many seem to forget what it means to be a christian in reality, 
rather than in mere sentiment I Too many are waiting for others to 
come and nurse them in their spiritual infirmities, without realizing 
the fact that they owe something to others, rather than to expect 
others to come forever and be doing for them. No christian man or 
v^oman has a right to expect others to do more for them than they are 
willing to do for others. Unhappily, many of the "Home Guard" 
are not only idly sitting there reading the reports of such as are in 
the front of the battle, enduring hardships as valiant soldiers of the 
cross of Christ, but they seem to think that those very ones who are 
doing all the hard fighting, should come to them and carry sweet- 
meats to tickle their palates. Why do not those very persons leave 
their places of ease and luxury, where nothing is being done by 
them, and go to the front and there offer their services, thus allow- 
ing others to be lightened of their heavy burdens? Surely it is as fair 
for one as for the other, and as God is no respecter of persons, unless 
such will march to the field of battle and offer their services, they 
surely cannot expect the same blessing from God when the day 
comes foi' the distribution of rewards. Don't, therefore, become 
discouraged because of a few stones of offence by the way, or because 
the way may at times lead through dark places, for after all, this is 
but a good sign that you are in the right way. No one has ever yet 
gotten to heaven "on flowery beds of ease," nor is there much 
likelihood that any ever will, so that such as are living with the 
expectation of escaping all trials, will be sorely mistaken. It is all 
folly to retreat because (<f discouragement. Some people seem to 
think they can be christians, and yet have the pi'ivilege at any time 
it pleases them to leave off the work of the Master and single out 
their own course and mode of living. If such were the teachings of 

44 



Christ then were it a most pitiable condition for the salvation of the 
world, for whenever the followers of Christ would become dis- 
satisfied wath the work, they could just quit and sit down and bask 
in the sunshine of the devil and his followers. These are the ones, 
who, like Peter, fall and are restored only by bitter tears of repent- 
ence, together with a future life of consecration to God and the 
church. Otherwise, they will share the fate of Judas who betrayed 
his Master, and afterward his soul was hurled into eternity, into 
darkness, into unspeakable anguish. 

The spirit that should prompt every follower of God should be 
that of Christian when he said to such as would discourage him, 
"This is my way to the desired heaven." Unhappily, many of the 
discouraged christians listen to the idle words of the retreating. 
They seem to relish those things which injure the cause of Christ, 
and many are, unfortunately, only too ready to add fuel to the dis- 
heartened by encouraging them in their wrong thinking, when 
traveling through ''the valley of the shadow of death," in which 
place the christian is sorely tested and even threatened wit>^ spiritual 
death. In that valley there are always to be found persons who, like 
the two men who met Christian, «ire ever ready to bear tidings that 
are utterly false and harmful. They are the servants of the devil 
carrying wicked messages. Instead of trying to make peace and 
thus help the cause of Christ and show" the part of a true christian, 
many do just the opposite and do much harm. If such persons 
would stop for a moment and think of the results of their evil words, 
they would act very differently, for even after they are dead and gone, 
perhaps there will yet be growing the fruits of their evil sowing, and 
surely, there can be no satisfaction to any one for having been in- 
instrumental in causing trouble by their words. Why not be a 
peace-maker, and be loved because of the very fragrance of your 
words which make peace ! 

In this valley, Christian had another peculiar experience, for 
soon he came to a place where there was 

'a deep pit,' 
and from it came forth both flames and smoke, and near by were 
many snares and pitfalls 

45 



This is but another of the man}' experiences along the way of 
life. You will not be able to travel very far toward the Celestial 
City, before you meet with these very experiences. Because he was 
unmindful to the call of God, Jonah learned to know the agonies of 
the deep pit. David wept and "his bones waxed old" amid his 
groanings and moanings day and night, because of his transgres- 
sions. There are many pitfalls carefully prepared for the capture 
of young men and women. The devil loves a shining mark, and 
hence he aims at the youth of the land. He is not satisfied merely 
with the old and dying, but delights in the capture of the young, so 
that he may have an army of strong, active persons to serve him. 
In our young people lies great strength for good or evil. Would to 
God that noble power were consecrated to God and the church ! 
What work might be accomplished for the salvation of the world, 
and the betterment of society, and mankind ! What happy homes 
would be the result ! What fathers and mothers would rejoice in- 
stead of weep over the conduct of their children ! 

Bad literature, has proven a pilfall for many of our youth. 
Books and papers which tend to shatter the faith of the religious, 
should be consigned to the flames, for they rob man of all, and give 
him nothing in return, but the ashes of a wrecked faith. Once out- 
side the fold of Christ, the young are exposed to the snares of the 
devil, and have but little show for safety. Let a young man try to 
live independent of the church and he will find very serious dangers 
besetting his way and ere he is aware, he is a captive in one of the 
pitfalls of the enemy. Much of the literature of to-day is demoraliz- 
ing in its tendency, and corrupts the minds of the young, under- 
mining their faith in Christ. Indeed many of the novels are not fit 
for a place in the home, and are mental alcohol to the reader. 

The dance as it is carried on in many places, is another most 
dangerous pitfall for our youth. Dangerous for two reasons. First, 
to the body. Many young persons have impaired their health, gone 
into hasty decline, and to an untimely grave because of the dance. 

I question very much whether or not parents are not to blame in 
many instances for these untimely deaths, for the child is educated 
for the dance, and thereafter it is but natural for the child to put 

46 




into practice that which it has been 
taug-ht Then, too, there is another 
danger that often results from the dance, 
and that is the moral danger. Public 
balls and promiscuous dancing, where 
the young are indiscriminately thrown in 
the arms and embrace of each other, is 
not, generally speaking, very conducive 
to morals. Many enter such circles where 
there are persons that a lady would not 
want to entertain in her parlor, and yet, 
at the public ball she is carried around 
in the arms of one of such. A woman's dance once cost the head of 
one of the very best men that ever lived, John the Baptist. That 
young woman was not the only one who -sacrificed a life for the 
dance, for some have lost even more than life ; they have lost a soul. 
It is well, therefore, for our youth to think well of some of the hid- 
den pitfalls that lie before them, lest their eyes be opened when too 
late. 

Why do I plead for our youth V I plead for them because of the 
dangers that lie before them. I plead for them because of their in- 
fluence and power in the world. I plead for them because, when 
robbed of all, the world will do nothing more for them but cast them 
aside, friendless and hopeless. I plead for the young because I love 
Ihem for their souls' sake. I plead for them because I want them to 
be truly happy and successful in life. And I plead for them because 
I want them at last to share the reward of the righteous in glory 
above. Young men and women, I plead for you "that you may 
prosper even as your soul prospers," and that at last you may re- 
ceive the plaudit, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joys of thy Lord." 

Happy for Christian, indeed, was the fact that at last there came 

for him 

'''•the break oj day.''' 
Such cheerless valleys have an end, and sooner or later the Lord 
opens up before the pilgrim a way of escape from the trials and temp- 



47 



tations that beset him. Christian, therefore, could well be delighted 
and say, "He hath turned the shadow of death into morning." And 
so there is the break of day to every christian, a passing from the 
night and valley of sin out into the open plain and dawn of the 
liberty of the children of God. Once Christian thought if only he 
had a new heart, then would he hate sin, and be free from all evil, 
but there are times when the darkness seems to come back upon the 
soul, and for the time the traveler apparently gropes for his way in 
'' the valley of the shadow of death.*' Like St. Paul he finds " a law 
in his members warring against the law of his mind; the flesh 
lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh." Faith 
thus struggles with sin and doubt, each one striving for the mastery. 
Many christians have thus experienced times when the battle with 
sin was dark and heavy. Although man loves God, and knows the 
power of Christ, yet, he observes some sad deficiencies, which hang 
like shadows and clouds over his soul. Bat like Christian, he be- 
thinks himself of the weapon of prayer, and kneeling down before 
God, he prays in all fervency, la^-ing hold of the promises of Christ, 
clinging to the Saviour until he has been blessed. The darkness 
now becomes absorbed by the morning light, and the crooked things 
are made straight. A moment before, Christian sank : now, the 
break of day has come to his soul, and he sings for joy. The over- 
shadowing clouds of doubt and sin have been rolled away, and he 
beholds the 'break of day of God's love in his heart. Many a man 
and woman have thus gone on in sin until at last the light from 
heaven has shone round about them, and, like Paul of old, the soul 
awoke to the divine light, and the old man was put otT and the new 
man Christ Jesus put on, so that henceforth they could say, "Not I, 
but Christ liveth in me." 

It may seem to some that they can never get out of the " valley ;" 
but let all such remember that the same road that leads to the valley^ 
leads through the valley, on to the ridge of the break of day. Often 
in temporal affairs we are ushered down into the very " valley of the 
shadow of death," when it would seem all had been swept away from 
us. Only gloom and despair stare us in the face, and often at such 
times death would almost seem preferable. But " why art thou <'ast 

4S 



down, oh my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope 
thou in God, and He will bring- all things to pass," that "shall work 
together for good to them that love Him." At the very time when 
we least expect, often the day breaks and the morning light and joy 
come. There are times when the " valley " seems so long and dark 
that it would appear there is no end to the night, but God is holding 
the reins of the universe. God reigneth, and slumbers neither day 
nor night ! The trouble with many is they are trying to pass through 
"the valley " wholly in their own strength, without asking for the 
help of God. Wherefore, seize the weapon of prayer and use it 
wisely I It is not always an easy thing to pray, and many use this part 
of christian armor unwisely. We should pray like Jacob did when 
he said to the angel with whom he had been wrestling all night, " I 
will not let thee go except thou bless me." Too many pray formally, 
or when they are half asleep, and were God to answer their prayer, 
they would, indeed, be taken unawares, for they expect not that for 
which they ask, and hence do not receive it. We should also pray 
as did blind Bartimeus when he said, "Lord, that I may receive mv 
sight." That prayer came from the very depth of his soul, and he 
was sincerely in earnest. He wanted his sight, and the Lord granted 
his i-equest. Manj- are blind spiritually, and were they to ask God 
in the spirit of Bartimeus for spiritual vision, they would receive 
their sight. We should also pray as did Peter, when he found him- 
self sinking. A large wave came rolling along carrying him deep 
down out of sight of Christ, who came walking to him on the sea. 
At once, therefore, Peter realized his utter helplessness and begged 
the Lord to help him, saying, "Lord, save, I perish." The great 
trouble with many, both in their sins and in their afflictions, is they 
first try all manner of other remedies, instead of coming and throw- 
ing themselves wholly into the arms of faith and the Lord in prayer. 
But the best prayer of all is that which Christ Himself prayed : 
" Father— thy will be done." We are too prone to pray selfishly, 
and ask God to give regardless of that which is best for us. Better 
pray God to make us solely humble and submissive to His will, that 
we may do whatsoever He would have us do; that we would go where- 
soever He would have us go; and that we would submit to whatsoever 

49 



He would have us submit. "Not my will, but thine be done, O 
Lord," should be the spirit of all our prayers. Then shall we most 
reasonably expect an answer to our prayers, and " the break of day 
will be sure to come." God has placed many in the "valley," in 
order that they might be brought to the true light as it is in Christ 
Jesus, causing the soul to rejoice, saying, " Joy cometh in the morn- 
ing." 



CHAPTER VI. 
VANITY FAIR. 

CHRISTIAN doubtless realized the fact that by laying down the 
burden of the world, he had taken up the cross of Christ, for 
there were not many days along his journey when he did not 
have some experience of cross-bearing. In fact that is only the 
natural indication of being a follower of Christ, for without the cross 
for the Master, no one can be His disciple. " Whosoever will not 
deny himself," says Christ, "and take up his cross and follow me, is 
noD worthy of being my disciple." 

It is a mistaken idea to suppose we are to escape all cross-bear- 
ing, when Christ Himself bore the cross for the sins of the world, 
and surely we are not to expect to get to heaven by any other way 
than th-at of following in the footsteps of Him who has gone on before 
us. Lest Christian might, perchance, forget this fact, Evangelist ap- 
peared to him again, and not only encouraged him for his success in 
the past, but also admonished him to be careful in the future, for, 
said Evangelist to Christian, "You are not yet out of 
f/ie gunshot of the devil.''' 

Like Christian we all need to be forcibly reminded of this warn- 
ing, for too often we boast of our safety and think we are at a vant- 
age ground where we can be sure of standing. Many have thus 
boasted only to see the very foundation fall, on which their hopes 
were built. Boastfulness begets vanity and personal pride, which 
so undermines faith in Christ that man is sure to fall, sooner or 
later. It is always well to be conscious of personal weakness and a 
longing to be stronger in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lean- 
ing on one's own understanding, is but leaning upon a broken reed. 

" Come just this one time, do just this one act, drink just this 
one glass. " It all sounds very innocent, and to many seems harm- 
less, but the one act, the one glass, has often opened the very flood- 

52 



gates, into which rushed the river like a mighty torrent, carrying 
along everything before it to ruin and destruction. Many have thus 
been innocently captured by the tempter, and fallen a prey into the 
hands of the enemy of sinful habits. " You are not yet out of the 
gunshot of the devil," and to think self safe may be to fall into the 
wiles of the adversary. 

It is "dangerous to slack up in the race;" for often the delay 
proves most disastrous. King Louis Sixteenth of France, during the 
time of his flight, would have escaped, had not his carriage broken 
down. That delay of half an hour, however, proved fatal, and he was 
captured by the enemy. Many others in a spiritual sense have lost 
a half hour by the way. That time is gone forever, but the results of 
such a loss still remain, and the delay along the journey of life by 
such occasions, has resulted in the downfall of many who at one time 
seemed sure of safety. The crown is at the goal, and unless we are 
persevering unto the very end of the journey, we cannot expect the 
reward of the faithful. The Bible needs to be read just as faithful 
ten years after the start in the christian race, as at the beginning of 
that race. Prayer is as important twenty years after the peace of 
God came into the heart as it was at the very start of christian ex- 
perience. Worship of God is as essential to the healthy in body 
thirty years after the confession of Christ as Saviour, as it was at 
the time that profession was made. There is no spare time in holy 
living. 

Christians need to be as faithful to 
their trust, as the clock is to time. The 
pendulum might complain of the con- 
stant toil and swing. It might get tired 
of the monotony of swinging to and fro, 
hour after hour, and day after day. It 
has no time to itself, but must constantly 
be on the go. In a sense it might appear 
to be accomplishing but very little ; 
merely moving back and forward in the 
same space over the same territory, day 
in and day out. It has no chance for a 




53 



change. And yet, that swinging pendulum is faithfully discharging 
its duty, keeping the clock in motion and the correct time is given to 
every passer by. The clock itself might reasonably offer up a Lot of 
complaints, for being constantly shelved, while day after day it is 
wound up merely to run over the same line of work, year in and year 
out. Yet, the wheels revolve, and the cog within moves, each part 
performing its several functions. 

Christians will do well to pattern after the clock, and not grow 
weary in well doing. It is all folly to start well and then stop. Betr 
ter never have started at all, than to fail in the end, for " to him 
that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin." We need 
to be as faithful and regular at our post as the pendulum is in th^ 
discharge of its duty. 

Christian was admonished to "set his face like a flint," and were 
more thus firmly fixed in "the faith," there would be less to murmur 
or complain. Because you may have done well in the past, is no 
argument for laziness in the future. The pendulum is not excused 
from action because at one time it did its work well. The faithful 
swinging in the past is but the better recommendation for its future 
truthfulness. So christians who have been most faithful in the past, 
are expected to be all the more faithful in the future. Never leave 
the safe vessel for an old rotten boat. The fact that the ship has 
proven safe in the time of storm, is the best proof in favor of remain- 
ing on board that vessel. Only an insane man would leave a safe 
steamer for an old rotten barge. Spiritually speaking, this is even 
more true. Christ is the only firm foundation, and such as would 
leave Christ and go aboard the rotten ship of the world, will find as 
did Jehoshephat that at the very time when they expect to go to Ophir 
for gold, that an unexpected storm will have arisen and the ships 
be broken. Of them it will be said as it was of Jehoshephat, "They 
went not, because their ships were broken." 

It were indeed well if christians would pattern in some respects 
after the men and women who are members of the various orders, 
societies, and lodges. In these various associations the members do 
not complain when asked to do anything, but simply do it. When 
their dues are payable, there is no complaint as regards the payment 

54 



of the same, but the money is laid down without any question. All 
is apparently done cheerfully and larg-ely. But this kind of spirit is 
frequently wanting- in the work of the church. While it mig-ht be 
comparatively easy to contribute a few dollars as dues to a society, 
that same amount given to the cause of Christ would be deemed by 
many christians, a very great sacrifice. To attend the various 
meetings of such orders is regarded a pleasui'e, and no com])laints 
are offered, whether it be cold or hot, whether it be moonlight or 
rain, whether it be near or far. But when it comes to a question of 
the church with many such, they are like the one of old, and say, " I 
pray thee have me excused." Or if it be an appeal for missions or 
other needs of the church, they will hunt up a few rusty pennies that 
happen to be left over from payment for things of the world, the flesh 
and the devil. Such need to be on their guard, for they "are not 
yet out of the gunshot of the devil. " 

Like Christian of old, they are often made to realize the force of 
such a warning, for ere they are aware, they find themselves in the 
very midst of 

" Vanity Fair.'"' 

This is indeed a very old town, and many have passed within its 
tempting streets, only to be lured by siren voices, and be captured by 
the tempter. The merchandise of this " fair " is such as is common 
in every village, town or city. Even Christ Himself was accosted on 
the lonely mountain by one from this " fair " who was eager to sell 
his ware, for the devil had the presumption to tempt Christ shortly 
after the Master's baptism. That same tempter has been at it ever 
since, and has sold much of his goods, for not all are wise as was 
Christ, who refused to buy but said, " Get thee behind me Satan." 
Many have entered this fair of vanities, with great riches of health, 
wealth and character. But alas, not a few of those very same per- 
sons have come away from "vanity fair" paupers, for while at the 
devil's booth all things are sold, yet "each ounce of dross costs its 
ounce of gold."' Health is often destroyed by feeding upon the un- 
wholesome food secured at "the fair." The sinner soon discovers 
that the ways of the world are not conducive to a healthy frame of 
either body or mind. Gradually the nervous system is destroyed^ 

55 



and healthy muscles burned up, until at last there stands but the 
skeleton of what was at one time a healthy body. As with the 
iiealth, so with riches. Money is soon spent in " vanity fair.'' A 
4ew dollars do not last long at that place, nor do they purchase much. 
Before man knows it, he is robbed of his hard earnings. Many to- 
<lay are living in squalor and pauperism, who at one time possessed 
■all that was necessary for a comfortable livelihood, but entering 
**' vanity fair, " indulging in the follies of life, "eating, drinking, 
and being merry," they soon spent their all and there "arose a 
mighty famine " in their life's experience. Such persons have no 
one to blame but themselves. They allowed themselves to be fleeced 
until at last they were robbed of all their money and their backs 
clothed with rags, while their table was wanting the necessaries of 
life. Thus, the devil gets the home and gives man instead the hovel. 
The devil takes the fatted calf and gives man the ashes. 

With health and wealth, many have sold their character at 
"*' vanity fair." Robbed of health and wealth, character is man's 
best friend, but when once character is gone, then man is a miserable 
wreck. Men and women may be ever so humble, yet, if they be 
lionorable they have riches worthy of high esteem and confidence. 
But let them lose the God-given principle of character, and they are 
robbed ^of all that makes life worth living. Alas ! how manj lose 
this very thing in "vanity fair !" They want to see the world. They 
are anxious to know tomething more about life, than that which is 
learned in the home from parents. They want to see for themselves 
the doings of the world. They enter the "fair" for themselves. 
But through such experiences, many have afterward left the ways of 
the world to find themselves robbed of their very best possession, 
■character. 

With character they also lose friends in "vanity fair." Let 
those whom sin has fleeced count up their friends and see how 
T^ery few they have. No need of using the fingers of both hands for 
such a count, for they will not be able to find enough for the fingers 
of one hand. So long as you feast, your halls will be crowded, but 
when once your feasts are all over then the world will pass you by 
unnoticed. Many a man has gone on in the world thinking he had a 

56 




host of friends, but discovered when too 
late, that he had none, save such as were 
using him for what they could get out of 
him. Open up your halls of feasting 
again, and soon you will have back all of 
your old acquaintances. Such is the way 
of the world, and a man is a fool who will 
see these things, and yet keep on squan- 
dering his money in "vanity fair." Un- 
fortunately, it is true of many, that while 
experience is a dear teacher, "yet, fools 
will not learn in any other way." 

Christian found at the ".Fair '' some very disreputable charac- 
ters, and such as were dangerous to touch, for among them were- 
" cheats, rogues and thieves." How like many at the present day 
who bring forward their wares and try to tempt our young men and 
women to purchase ! The inexperienced see only the coating, they 
taste only the sugar, and in their innocency, they are blind to the 
hidden pc ison ; the deadly hook is covered up by the tempting- 
bait. It is very true of many of the young that they are "as fishes 
of the sea." The bait is dropped down before them and without 
thought they bite and the work is done. 

It were well if men and women would profit by the unhappy ex- 
periences of the unfortunate, and seeing wherein others have erred 
and been deceived, guard against those very things whereby others 
fell. Don't taste poison for the sake of knowing how it tastes, 

" You are the first one to tell me of my faults, others have flat- 
tered me," said a gentleman one afternoon, "but," he added, "the 
flatterer is not my friend." For this reason " we warn men " because 
we love them. 

At " vanity fair," Banyan's Christian was characterized in three 
different ways from the rest of the people at the " fair. " 

First of all, "he was clothed differently." Like him, christians 
should be different from the world. Not fanatical, but a look that 
will show to the world " that they have been with Jesus and learned 
of him." Too many christians are hanging on to their "grave 

57 



clothes," refusing to '' put off" entirely, "the old man " of sin for 
'* the new man Christ Jesus." Some have a "Sunday suit " and a 
" week-day suit," trying thus to "serve both God and mammon." 
The soldier is known by the clothes he wears as to the side on which 
he is fighting. And so christians are to be sufficiently marked that 
it may be discerned on which side they are fighting, whether for or 
against the Lord. If you saw a man lying drunk along the street it 
would not be difficult to tell on which side he was fighting. If on 
the other hand you saw a man going about doing good to the sick 
and needy, you would at once be able to tell on which side that man 
was fighting. " By their fruits ye shall know them." for "men do 
not gather grapes from thorns nor figs from thistles." 

Christian was also known by "his speech." Much of the conver- 
sation is utterly demoralizing. It is indeed alarming to hear much 
of the conversation that falls from the lips of many of the present 
day. Even in the parlor, the conversation is frequently not of that 
real refining character that it should be, and it were well in many 
Instances if the parlor doors could be swung wide open, and the 
parent be present as a purifier of that which is said. There is no 
doubt but that the parlor is frequently abased, and that too in ways 
without number. One very common mistake is to drive the sons out 
of the parlor for fear they may disarrange some of the ornaments, 
or destroy the furniture. Far better to allow them to use the parlor 
than to drive them out into the streets. Better allow the son to enter- 
tain his friends in the parlor than for him to meet them on the street 
corners. Could many of the young men of to-day speak, they would 
be able to tell of the harmful results in being compelled to entertain 
their friends on the street, instead of welcoming them in the home 
parlor. The home should be made so attractive that the very parlor 
itself would eclipse all desire for the " vanity fairs " of the world. 
Men will have associates and if they cannot receive their friends in 
the home they will go out in the world and form acquaintances. 
Better allow some of the furniture to be even broken by the sons, 
than drive them away from home for enjoyment, for sons that are 
properly reared in the home, in after days will be able to repay a 
dozen times all they destroyed when boys. Besides, such sons will 

58 



be an honor to their parents, as well as a great source of gratifica- 
tion and assistance. Among the birthday gifts which may be given 
a son when he is twenty-one years of age, is a ' Night Key.' But un- 
fortunately for many sons they receive that gift when too young. 
The mother who sits up at night to open the door for the return of 
her son or daughter, is much wiser than the mother who gives the 
son and daughter a ' night key,' to return at their own pleasure, at 
any hour of the night. Sad, indeed, is it for those sons and daughters 
who, through death, have no mother to thus counsel them, for after 
years often tell very forcibly what has been lost by such denials. Be 
careful in the selection of your companions, and associate only with 
such as have purity of speech, ever remembering that "your conver- 
sation is in heaven." Hence, " let your conversation be as becometh 
the gospel of Jesus Christ." " Let no corrupt communication pro- 
ceed out of your mouth," but rather ''speak that which is good to 
the use of edifying." 

The third characteristic of Christian in " vanity fair " was he 
had "little regard for their wares." All manner of articles were 
offered him, but when tempted he would silently pray saying, "Turn 
away mine eyes from beholding vanity." It is a sad fact that many 
do just the very opposite, for instead of praying that they might not 
see vanity they go forth in search of it. In our large cities there is 
much that is ennobling, and many are the opportunities for self- 
culture and success in life. But, instead, many go forth in search of 
that which is low and debasing. They see "apples of Sodom " and 
at once stop and price them. Sugar-coated, as are all such offers of 
the devil, many taste, eat and fall. It is dangerous to barter with 
the devil, for when once a conversation is entered into then Satan 
gets a strong foothold, and in the end often carries off his booty. 
Better by far to have nothing to do with the " wares " of the devil, 
and when tempted, do as did Christian ; silently pray to Godsaying^ 
" Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity." 



59 



CHAPTER^VII. 
''BUY THE TRUTH." 

^**^0 be a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, means more 
than a mere negative attribute. It is not enough for one to 
" cease to do evil." If that were all the Lord required of 
His followers, then it would be an easy matter to be a christian. It 
would be about as cheap as many seem to wish religion were. One 
of the great problems of the present day, that is puzzling the minds 
of many, is to know just how little is required of them to get to 
heaven. They are willing to cease doing evil, but are unwilling to 
put into practice the second requirement, or, the " doing good " part 
of religion. It was therefore only natural for the people at "Vanity 
Fair " to ask of Christian "what he would buy," since he refused to 
buy or even price their wares. They seemed to say to him, " Sir, if 
you refuse to buy our goods, 

' what will ye buy? ' " 
It is so with every one. Man must decide one way or the other. 
If you are against a certain matter or person, you must surely be 
/i7r something else or for some other person. You are something. 
If you are not one thing, you are surely another. Otherwise you 
would be like the painted Jackdaw. It disliked its own kind, and to 
be different from them, it was painted white. Seeing some doves 
fly by, the painted jackdaw joined them. But no sooner had the 
jackdaw opened his mouth than the doves discovered him to be a 
traitor and not one of their number, and at once unmercifully drove 
him away. He then decided to go back again to his old company, 
but the jackdaws didn't like his looks, and refused to have anything to 
do with him, and so, the poor painted bird had no where to go, for he 
was neither a dove nor a jackdaw. This is the unfortunate condi- 
tion of some professing christians; they are not wanted among the 
true followers of God because their speech betrays them, nor are 

60 



they wanted among- the people of the world, because they dislike a 
hypocrite, and as a result, they are a sort of Mahomet's coffin, sus- 
pended between heaven and earth. 

If any one wants to be a true follower of God, he must " follow " 
and not stand still. He must "buy" something. He must "da 
something-." Otherwise he will be like the man who each morning- 
went down to the saw-mill and polished the saw, put all in readiness^ 
greased all the parts of 'the machinery, saw that everything was in 
good order, but he never did any work. He had all in readiness, but 
never a log was sawed. There, month after month, the mill stood 
ready, and yet, it stood idle. The christian who stands ready like 
the mill, but never does anything, might just as well not be ready. 
Better even not to make such a profession, for it only deceives others. 
Christ Himself dislikes deception, for when He saw the fig tree 
green, looking as if it were laden down with fruit, but upon exami- 
nation saw that the tree was barren, having on it "nothing but 
leaves," the Lord was displeased and cursed the tree, that it died. 
Better make no profession at all than make one and be untrue to it,. 
for deception not only imposes upon but displeases God. 

When, therefore, Christian was asked, " What will you buy ? " 
he did not endeavor to explain away his faith, by trying to carry 
water on both shoulders, but he was true enough to stand by hi& 
colors, and stand boldly on the Lord's side. Hence, he said, "We 
buy the truth. " This at once told the people just where he stood. 
There was no question about his belief ; no dallying with the world,, 
but a bold declaration of his faith in that which was right. He 
wanted the " Truth " and nothing else would answer. 

"We buy the truth," should 
be the motto of every follower of 
God, for without the "Truth" 
there can be no sanctiflcation. 
" Sanctify them by thy truth," 
and the "Truth" that best sancti- 
fies is God 's Holy Word,the Bible. 

People are always gathering ' " ^^I \.), 

information, and there is a great 

6r 




tendency to g-ather much that is most undesirable. Evil gossip is a 
thing easily to be secured, " without money and without price. " In 
fact, it is thrust into your very face. Gossip, like bad literature, is 
very cheap and plentiful. There is much said that would better 
never have been uttered, and it is a dangerous thing to listen to and 
believe all that is spoken. It were well, indeed, if people would 
"" buy the truth " and not take "without cost" everything that is 
offered them. Chaff is very cheap, and easily carried about. Much 
of the damaging talk is like chaff, so very light that little effort is 
required to scatter it broadcast over the land. We do well, accord- 
ingly, to discount much that we hear, and make an effort to get at 
the truth. It may not always be easy, yet, it is the proper thing. 
"Buy the truth." 

Buy it at any price, for the truth and only the truth is worth 
possessing. The truth is cheap at any price, while evil gossip is ex- 
pensive even when received without any cost. Very little of the real 
truth is acquired without a price. The young man who wishes to be- 
come a physician must pay for the truth. The apprentice does not 
get the truth of his calling for nothing, but must pay foi- what he 
gets. The client desirous of the truth is required to buy it from 
legal authorities before he gains possession of the same. The 
patient before he gets the truth from his physician, is expected to 
pay for the cure, or the truth. We must " buy the truth." 

But while we must " buy the truth " it is also a fact that, the 
truth often causes a '"''hubbub.'''' 

.Just as soon as it was discovered at "Vanity Fair" that 
"Christian was a purchaser only of the " truth," then at once the peo- 
ple were opposed to him. He and his friend "Faithful," who had 
been with him for some time, were mocked and bound with chains, 
and thus weighted down, they were driven through the streets as a 
terror and warning to any others who might be desirous of becoming 
followers of Christ with Christian and Faithful. 

This seems to be the nature of "Truth;" it often arouses ani- 
mosities on the part of those of the world. St. Paul at Ephesus soon 
discovered that upon the preaching of the " Truth," people became 
incensed, and at once were up in arms against him. The result was 

62 



a terrible "uproar and tumult" at Ephesus. Wrong doing cannot 
stand the truth, for it tells a man just what he is, and often people 
don't like others to know those things, nor do they like to be re- 
minded of their faults. When the shoe fits too closely, the wearer is 
apt to offer some complaint. It is a truth in such instances that 
the "shoe fits," and hence the wearer recognizes the application. 
The trouble with some persons is, they are like the passenger on 
board a steamer. He was upbraiding the captain, and calling him 
all manner of ugly names, when the captain, very politely turned the 
" other cheek " and gave the passeijger a blow upon his own cheek, 
which at certain times seems to be the gospel idea of "turning the 
other cheek." At once the passenger cried out, " I'm tender." Like 
him, many say all manner of things about others, and in their very 
life do much that is to the harm of their fellowmen, their wives and 
children ; but as soon as the "truth " is declared, it causes a "hub" 
bub " and they become very much offended, saying, "I'm tender." 
Alas ! If the church must keep quiet on certain lines for fear of 
hurting some one's feelings, then it might as well close its doors, and 
let the devil take charge of things. " I'm tender." Yes, it were 
well if some persons were a little more tender, and in their dealings 
with mankind they would consider "the other fellow," as well as 
their own selfish ends. You owe something to your neighbor as well 
as to yourself, and no one has a right to do that which will injure 
his neighbor, unless thereby he accomplish greater results and bles- 
sings to a greater number of individuals, and in all God be glorified. 
" Am I my brother's keeper ?" Y^es, you are your brother's keeper, 
and as such, you ow^e him a brother's part. You cannot afford to 
bury the truth for the sake of pleasing the devil or even his follow- 
ers. That is just what the devil has been after since his fall. He is 
trying to bury truth, and then he would be king on the throne. It 
would not be long, under such a rule, before we would fall back into 
the customs of the "dark ages," when we would have " the survival of 
the fittest." Brute force would then be the power to rule, and our sons 
and daughters would not be safe on the streets, even in broad daylight. 
"The fear of man bringeth a snare," and if the christian wants 
to pass through life without ever incurring the displeasure of the 

63 



world, he will have a hard time getting- to heaven. Better be on the 

Lord's side and be popular with Him, than have the good will of 

some one of the world. "Buy the truth," even though it cost the 

" enmity of the world." 

Not only does the '' truth " often cause a "hubbub," but there 

are also 

'^ False Witnesses Against the Truth.'''' 

Soon there were three witnesses, " Envy, Superstition and Pick- 
thank," who came forward to bear false testimony against Christian. 
These three men had each been grieved by what Christian had said 
about their mode of living. They didn't like him to tell them the 
truth, and just as soon as an opportunity afforded, they were ready 
to bear false witness against him. These three men have many 
children. When King Ahab wanted to get Naboth out of the way, 
he employed the services of false witnesses. False witnesses were 
soon ready to report on duty for casting Daniel into the lion's den. 
Just as soon as it was discovered that the three Hebrew children did 
not bow the knee at the call of Nebuchadnezzar, there were busy 
bodies to quickly run and report to the ruler the fact. It required 
but very little trouble to .find false witnesses to testify against 
Christ. There are plenty of persons who regard their word as of 
little consequence, and are ever ready to offer their services as 
"false witnesses." The world has in it many ready wicked mes- 
sengers, who find great pleasure in collecting and distributing evil 
reports. Some of the false witnesses against Christian were 
prompted by "Envy," and were the truth known, it would be dis- 
covered that in most cases, envy lies at the bottom of the evil re- 
ports. But, " false witnesses " are punished sooner or later. The 
falsehood of Jezebel against Naboth led to her being devoured by 
the dogs in the street where she had Naboth ].)ut to death. Chickens 
come home to roost, and many a treacherous Judas, has lived to 
sorely regret his deceit and meanness Surely, "the way of the 
transgressor is hard," and especially with "false witnesses." 

But a few false witnesses cannot stop the preaching of Truth. 

" Faithful " died in bearing testimony to the truth, but at once 
" Hopeful " rose up out of the very ashes of his fallen predecessor, 
and became a companion with Christian in his pilgrimage. 

64 




Truth is not dependent upon one wit- 
ness. Moses was a great leader, and yet, 
his death did not keep others from enter- 
ing- Canaan. Neither an Elijah nor an 
Elisha held the reins of the heavenly steed 
that carried Truth to the world and man- 
kind. Noah and Enoch might walk with 
God, and yet, when once they ceased to 
^,^ walk with Him because of their departure 

to a better land, that did not leave God 
alone, for there were others to rise up and " walk with Him." Poly- 
carp might be burned at the stake and Bland ina be cast into the aw- 
ful pit, but out of their very ashes rose up others to bear testimony 
to the truth. The Great Teacher, " Who spake as never man spake, " 
was cut down as the great Vine, and yet, the truth did not die out, for 
there were other branches to spring forth from the true Vine. The 
Apostles might all be put to death in an unnatural manner, but the 
truth could not be wiped out of existence. 

The death of martyrs only kindled the flames to cause the truth 
to shine forth all the more brilliantly. When once the light has 
gone forth from the sun you can't stop it. You may build high walls, 
you may shut yourself up in a dark cell, yet, the light is all the while 
shining, and no sooner is there a very small crevice, than the light 
at once creeps in and introduces itself. And so it is with the divine 
light of Truth. Christ is not only the "Way," but He is also the 
«* Truth and the Light." 

Neither is any one individual nor class of individuals able to ex- 
tinguish that light. The nailing of Christ to the cross did not ex- 
tinguish the light of the Truth, but rather spread abroad all the 
more that light, for the Cross of Christ has become that power of 
salvation, that, " all- the light of sacred story, gathers round its 
head sublime," and from all parts of the world the Macedonian cry is 
.being heard, "Come over and help us !" At the death of our great 
Reformers, doubtless many thought the work would be crippled 
But, although mighty men have fallen, yet, the work goes on in the 
name of the Lord, to the upbuilding of the Church of God. 

65 



One blessed thought for such as •* buy the truth," is that before 
them is something that repays them for the difficulties they may 
have to encounter in the purchase of the same. Although Christian 
was compelled to walk about the " fair " weighted down with heavy 
chains for sport to the people ; and although he was beaten and after- 
ward "caged," yet, in all these things he could say with Paul, "The 
light afflictions of the present worketh for me a far more exceeding 
and eternal weight of glory." Yes, he could say, "I reckon that the 
sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with the 
glory that shall be revealed in me," and it was not long afterward 
that he obtained a glimpse of what God had in store for him at the 
end of his journey. 

Although he was soon accosted by one named " By-ends " who 
tried to persuade him to change his course, yet Christian could not 
be influenced. True, the religion of " By-ends " was very tempting, 
for said he to Christian, " 'Tis true we differ somewhat in religion 
from those of the stricter sort, yet, but in two small points : First, 
we never strive against wind and tide. Secondly, we are always 
most zealous when Religion goes in his silver slippers." Yes, that 
would be a very easy religion to live. No trouble about battling 
against sin, but merely allowing the enemy without interruption to 
go on and do as he pleased. Then, too, it meant to get money in any 
way possible, no matter how it had been secured, and then allow tha't 
sort of money to speak and rule. The religion was in the "silver 
slipper" and, therefore, not very strict. By-ends, offered a religion 
that is most pleasing to many in other respects, for instead of rush- 
ing on in his journey in all kinds of weather, he would wait for the 
tide and wind to carry him along without effort. Then, too, he would 
not travel when the roajis were muddy or rough, for " he walks in his 
silver slippers," and would, therefore, travel only in the sunshine 
and with applause. 

Don't have a ^^ silver slipper religion"" 
which takes you out in the Master's service only when the tide is in 
your favor, and when the road is smooth and the weather fair. With 
that sort of religion you will not make much progress along the way 
of the Lord. If you worship God only on clear Sundays, and go to 

66 



church only when " the tide is in your favor," or rather when you 
" feel like going-," then you will find the devil g-etting- in very good 
work, so far as your religion is concerned. Many, indeed, are the 
moral wrecks lying now along the shores of Time, because they did 
that which was right only when " the tide and wind " were in their 
favor, or when the weather was favorable to " silver slipper re- 
ligion." 

Far better to soil the "slipper " than to neglect the soul in ab- 
senting one's self from the place of worship because the weather may 
happen to be just a little inclement. The weather never effects 
" silver slippers " when the wearer of the same wants to attend any 
worldly pleasures. No matter how cold the night, or how rainy the 
evening, it is then not a matter of " silver slippers " but of desire to 
go. Surely, christian men and women should have at least as much 
devotion to their God as the men and women of the world have for 
" the things which perish !" Christian, therefore, very wisely refused 
to listen to any such pleas, and quickened his steps, lest the tempter 
might lure him away from the right path, the way of Truth. As a 
result of his devotion to the right cause, he soon found his way 
leading to a most pleasant river, which David the king called, " the 
river of God:" but John, "the river of the water of life." Here 
Christian found things most delightful, for never before had he seen 
such a lovely place. Not only did they drink of the waters, but on 
either side of the river, were green trees with all kinds of fruit. The 
christian who is truly devoted to his faith in Christ will thus be 
brought into many places of soul refreshment, where the " weary and 
heavy laden find rest unto their souls." And, too, when resting in 
places where the Lord leads us, we are perfectly safe, for he gives his 
angels charge over us. 

True, Satin is almost everywhere watching for an opportunity 
to do mischief, and yet, he has very little opportunity to do it among 
those who gather " together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." 
He may be able to look in through the keyhole or through the 
windows, but such as are "pure in heart" are buyers only of the 
Truth. Such are safe in the presence of Jesus, and "he maketh them 
to lie down in green pastures beside the river of the waters of life." 

67 



CHAPTER VIII. 
DOUBTING CASTLE. 

THERE are times apparently, in the experiences of all chris- 
tians when they for the time become dissatisfied with their 
way, and are ready to make a change for that which appears 
better. 

It was thus with Christian and Hopeful. They were much dis- 
heartened because of the way. So it was with the children of Israel. 
As they journeyed from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea, to com- 
pass the land of Edom, the "soul of the people was much discouragfed 
because of the way." Their discouragement led to their complaint, 
as is often the case. Accordingly they indignantly asked of their 
leader, Moses, saying, "Wherefore have ye brought us up out of 
Egypt to die in the wilderness ?" 

It is wrong to complain and murmur against the ways of God, 
for it shows a lack of confidence in His ways, and for this want of 
faith and confidence, God sometimes punishes, as when He "sent 
fiery serpents among the people, which bit many. 

Like Israel the Pilgrims " wished for a better way." As, there- 
fore, they went on in their journey, they saw on the side of the road 
a meadow, and over the fence a stile leading to it. This was a temp- 
tation to the weary pilgrims, for the meadow looked so much more 
inviting than the rough road they had been traveling. Hence Chris- 
tian said to his companion, " Let us go over into the meadow." 

No sooner had they crossed over than they saw before them a 
path. This path seemed to lay along side the way in which they had 
been traveling, and so they thought themselves perfectly safe in 
walking along the path since it was so much smoother than the 
rough way. As they walked along "they found it very easy to their 
feet." 

How like the experience of many others in life. The devil al- 
ways prepares a stile leading into "By-path-meadows," and when 

69 



once he succeds in getting christian men and women to depart from 
the right path he points them to a road that apparently lies just 
along-side the right way, and many are tempted, and blindly follow 
him. At first, they find the way, " easy to their feet," for the be- 
ginning of sin is very pleasant. It is, indeed, not only inviting but 
tempting, and many step aside because of the seeming happy change. 
Many, alas, have said, " Come, here is the easiest going !" But the 
end thereof is destruction. Christian even saw a man going on be- 
fore them, " Vain Confidence," who invited them on, telling them 
they were in the right way that led to the Celestial City, but as night 
came on and it grew dark, suddenly the man before them disappeared 
and they were left alone. They looked for and called to the man, 
and at last, they saw a deep pit before them into which " Vain-Con- 
fidence " had fallen. It was a pit made by the prince of those 
grounds to catch " vain-glorious fools." Many have had similar ex- 
periences. They have followed some one who has offered them an 
easy way to heaven, only to perish in the end. Some people object 
to the plain Gospel, and want some other way of getting to heaven 
than that of the " strict way." Accordingly they find another way 
in which they travel. "Vain-Confidence " leads them on for a time, 
but before such get to heaven they find " pits " prepared for them. 
Far better to travel the rough way, the way of self-denial and sacri- 
fice, than the " smooth way " and lose all in the end. Never follow 
a leader who promises you " smooth sailing " to heaven, for you will 
be disappointed. Rather follow that leader 
who tells you of your faults, and who urges 
you to a more holy life. 

Many who have sought an " easy way " 
have afterward been compelled to repent 
saying, "Oh, that I had kept on my way !" 
Like Christian, they say in seeming sur- 
prise, "Who could have thought that this 
path should have led us out of the way !" 

But now came the sad part of the story. 
The departure was easy enough, but the re- 
turn to the right way was not so easy. It 




70 



was dark, and a flood had arisen so hig-h that in their return they 
were several times almost drowned. 

It was an easy thing for Esau to sell his "brithright,'* but it wa& 
not so easy to get it back. Poor man he sought a place for repent- 
ance and could nowhere find it. 

Thus the pilgrims became lost in the darkness, and weary and 
alarmed at the storm, they found shelter near by, and there they sat 
down to await the break of day. But being weary they fell asleep. 
Just as soon as the christian becomes weary of the journey, and sits 
down to wait for the day of sunshine, he will be very apt to fall asleep 
spiritually, and like the Pilgrim of old, will awake to scenes most 
unpleasant. Not far from where the pilgrims slept, was a castle 
called, 

''Doubting Castle ;' 
the owner whereof was " Giant De&pair." Every morning this great 
giant would rise up early and walk over his grounds to see if, per- 
chance, some pilgrim had wandered upon his grounds, and if he 
found any such he would take them prisoners. In his rounds that 
morning he came across Christian and Hopeful. Going up to them 
he called them to awake. At this they were startled, for upon 
opening their eyes they beheld standing before them one that terri- 
fied them. Alas, their eyes were opened when too late. 

Many are thus sleeping, feeling perfectly secure, but sooner or 
later their eyes will be opened to that which will be most alarming. 
Sickness, or some sudden calamity, will befall them and. then will 
follow the regret. Suddenly summoned to the bar of God in their 
sinful condition, how will such stand the judgment of God 1 What 
will they do at the swelling of the Jordan ? 

Christian and Hopeful were quickly driven on before the Giant 
into "Doubting Castle." There they were lodged in a very dark 
dungeon. After being left there for some time without anything to 
eat or drink, they received a visit from the Giant, who came upon 
them with a club and most sorely beat the pilgrims until they were- 
not able to help themselves. Then, he left them in all their misery 
for a day or two, when he visited them a second time, advising them 
to kill themselves, and thus be saved from all this torture. After he 

71 



left, the prisoners began to talk over their troubles, and at last 
■Christian, discourag-ed and despondent, turned to Hopeful saying, 
■"What shall we do? The life we now live is miserable. For my 
part I know not whether it is best to live thus, or to die." 

Then he added , "My soul chooseth strangling rather than life, 
and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon.*' 

We are reminded of poor old Job, when during a fit of despon- 
dency he said of life, "I loathe it; I would not live always : let me 
■:jilone, for my days are vanity." But worse still was the advice Job's 
wife gave him when she said to him, '' Curse God and die." In other 
words, " Commit suicide. " Thus, there are times in life when the 
discouraged ask the same question. " Why do I live ? Does it pay 
to live ? Would I not be better off by blowing out the candle ?" 

Such promptings are the whispers of the devil in the ear of the 
disheartened. Bat to yield to such whispers, is not only sinful in the 
extreme, but the act of a coward. 

In all cases of suicide on the part of the head of the family, none 
is meaner than to destroy self for fear of coming to want. Let such 
rather boldly breast the slings and arrows of adverse fortune, and 
present the strong arm and a devoted heart to wife and children. 
Such suicides are purely selfish, and there is not one single redeem- 
ing feature, but rather a bold confession of cowardice and baseness, 
to say nothing of the sin against God. It is well written, 
" When all the blandishments of life are gone. 
The cowai'd sneaks to death: the brave live on." 

Instead of asking, " Is life worth living ?" it were better to ask 
calmly, " Is death worth dying ?" and in reply to that question there 
is a ready answer, " NO; it is not worth dying until one has finished 
' Ms life's work, and has well earned the grave in which his body is to 
iie, when once the life has departed in its natural way. Then, and 
only then, is death worth djing. 

No wonder Hopeful rebuked Christian for his temporary and mo- 
mentary seeming insanity, by reminding him of the great sin of which 
lie spoke. " My brother," said Hopeful, " thou talkest of ease in the 
grave; but hast thou forgotten the hell whither for certain all such 
-deliberate self destroying persons go ?" 



72 



The better and wiser course for such despondent persons to pur- 
sue is for them to consider the future and its possibilities, rather 
than the sad past with its discourag-ements. Besides, a glimpse at 
the past would remind many such of their triumphs amid their trials^ 
Christian seems to have forgotten the triumphs of the past. At one- 
time he was attacked by Apollyon, when death seemed inevitable ; 
but he was conqueror, and triumphed over his discouragements. He 
also forgot the lions, which he thought would tear him to pieces^ 
but when once he came up to them he found them chained. He seems 
also to have forgotten all about the *' Valley of the Shadow of 
Death," when at every moment death appeared sure. And yet, with. 
all these trials, he still lived, for he had triumphed over all. Why 
not, therefore, try to triumph rather than suffer defeat like a coward? 

There are times when things don't go just as we might wish 
them, but instead of surrendering, and thereby showing our weak- 
ness, let us rather be like brave soldiers. Don't be a coward, but 
" quit you like men. " 

Then, too, it might be well for many to consider a little mora 
carefully just what often leads to such fits of despondency. 

It is not real active service, but rather when one gets out of the 
right way. Christian never before had any such thoughts of self 
destruction. His dispondency arose, only after he had stepped aside 
from the way of the Lord. 

The devil is the one to prompt self destruction. Had Elijah, 
stood boldly up for the God he had so forcibly revealed at the time 
when he called down fire from heaven, he would not have been ask- 
ing God that he might die. But, fleeing from the presen<^e of God 
and duty, and hiding away in idleness in the mountains of Horeb, het 
there preferred death to life. Get out of your cave, out into the sun^ 
shine of God's vineyard of active service and duty, and you will not. 
have time to be thinking about dying, but will rather think how you: 
can best live and serve. Look about you and see the many demands- 
which appeal to you, in the home, in the church, and as a citizen. 
You owe much to others. See to it then that you fulfil all your obli- 
gations before you talk about dying. 



73 



.P^-; 




~ \ 



Christian and Hopeful, however, 
were given a further trial in Doubt' 
J ing- Castle, for the Giant paid them 
/ a third visit and finding them still 
alive, he took them out into a yard 
and there showed them the bones of 
men who had been slain, and told 
. /-f ^^ -/^N.'X them that in a week's time he would 

tear them in pieces as he had done to others before them. After he 
■departed, the pilgrims thought much about what they had seen and 
heard until at last they lay down to sleep. At midnight they began 
to pray, and continued in prayer until almost daybreak. " What a 
fool I have been," said Christian, "to lie in this dungeon, when I 
may as well walk at liberty I" 

Hopeful looked at him in astonishment wondering what he 
meant. 

"I have 

a key in my bosom called Promise, 
that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle." 

What a revelation and what good news I At once they took the 
key and began to try at the dungeon door, and to their happy sur- 
prise, the bolt turned and the door opened. Thus, at each door they 
used the key and with bat little difficulty each door was opened, until 
they found themselves at the outer gate. Here it was a little more 
difficult, but at last the bolt moved, and the gate opened. 

Many others are locked up in "Castles of Doubt " and despon- 
dency, out of which they might go if only they would use the proper 
means. A few more prayers to Him from whence " com'eth our help" 
would result in opening many closed castles and prisons of soul 
torture. Many are to-day in dungeons of despair who could find 
much relief, if they would not be too proud to ask God for help. 
Some only laugh at the thought of prayer, but experience has taught 
many its blessings. 

Too frequently prayer is the last resort. People will try all 
manner of experiments and spend much time in endeavoring to 
escape from their troubles, until, amid discouragements, some would 

74 



rather die than live. One stroke comes after the other, and one 
visitation of trouble follows the other, like the visits of the Giant 
to Christian. Each day a Giant Despair adds new blows, till death 
itself seems to stare them in the face. Prayer, however, has caused 
many such to say as did Christian, " What a fool I have been to lie 
in a dung-eon, when I may as well walk at liberty." The great 
trouble with many is they have locked themselves up in the room of 
their little self until the door of Doubt has become sealed, and there 
appears to be no way of escape. Their eyes are blinded to all the 
precious Promises of God. Promises ! why yes, take down God's 
word as it lies neglected and dust covered, take it down from its rest- 
ing place. Blow off the dust and look within for its rich Promises. 
God's promises know of no such thing as ''Despair." " God is love," 
and His promises are rounds in the ladder up which we climb to 
heaven. Are you down at the foot of the ladder? Then begin 
climbing by taking hold of God's Promises. Hold fast the faith. 
Take strong hold and press toward the mark. You will never get to 
heaven by sitting down in the Castle of Despair. Resting in such 
places is to rest upon another's grounds, who will sooner or later 
take you prisoner, and in his dungeon you will have to suffer the 
penalty of his sentence. " The way of the transgressor is hard," and 
such as will walk in that way need not complain if they are beaten 
with many stripes, and robbed of all their possessions. 

The misfortune with some is they allow themselves to be led on 
by those who are known as " Vain Confidence." These men and wo- 
men are so sure of their own safety in the way of the world that they 
even laugh at such as would do good. Let them see a man endeavor 
to do that which is right, and they ridicule his faith in the Lord. If 
he is seen to go to the house of God for worship, he is laughed at for 
his piety. If he spends bis evenings at home with his wife and 
children, he is held up as one who is " tied to his wife's apron 
string." There are many just such characters of "Vain-Confidence," 
who deride in others whatever is noble and good. 

Many a happy home has thus been destroyed, and many a once 
true follower of God has been led away from Him by this very class 
of people. If there are any such men or women among your associ- 

75 



ates, you had better abandon their company at once, for they will 
sooner or later prove your ruin. They will lead you on until at last 
they suddenly disappear. You look for them and they are gone. 
You call but receive no answer. They have either fallen into the pit 
themselves, or having led you into it, they forsake you. You want 
a friend, some assistance, but they are conspicuously absent. Re- 
member, yoa are in a sense, your own best friend, and far better 
please yourself by doing that which is right, than " follow a multi- 
tude to do evil," for when once you are in trouble, your old friends 
who led you into pits of misfortune and castles of despair, will not 
help you. Such persons you will do well to call, not friends, but 
only acquaintances, and the less you know of them by way of associ- 
ation, the better it will be for you in the end. 

It may all be pleasing at first, but it is well to profit by the sad 
ending of such as have not been wise. 

No wonder that Christian when he had safely escaped from the 
miserable Castle was moved to warn others. His experience had 
proven so very bitter that he was unwilling for any others to share 
his sad fate. He, therefore, erected a pillar and upon the side of it 
had engraven, " Over this stile is the way to Doubting Castle, which 
is kept by Giant Despair, who despiseth the King of the Celestial 
City, and seeks to destroy his holy pilgrims." 

God has thus had planted many sign boards along the waj* of 
life, to warn men. His holy word is filled with sentences which tell 
travelers of dangerous places. The way of the drunkard, the glutton, 
the licentious, the transgressor, the lukewarm, the backslider, and a 
hundred other dangerous paths, are all clearly pointed out in God's 
holy Word, and the traveler to the Celestial City will do well to study 
diligently his Guide Book and guard against the " easy ])aths," for 
they but lead to despair. 

Reader, how are you conducting yourself ? Are you a professed 
follower of God ? Then do not complain because you have a few 
trials in life. Don't look for some " easy way." Don't complain 
because you have too much to do for the Lord. Few Christians have 
ever suffered from doing too much for God and the church. Many, 
however, have suffered from doing too little. If you are in Doubting 

76 



Castle, on the grounds of the enemy, then get out of it at once, for 
should death overtake you in that Castle, where would you belong ? 
The Lord would not be likely to look for any of His people in that 
abode. Falling at such places, the devil would but naturally come 
to claim his own. Take heed, therefore, to your steps, and looking 
unto Jesus as your Leader, hear Him say unto you, " follow me." 



77 



CHAPTER IX. 
ATHEISM— SCEPTICISM— INFIDELITY. 

IN his journey, Christian met with a man who was an Atheist. 
Atheist, like many others of his tribe, was no doubt miserable, 
and was anxious to meet with some one who thought as he did. 
Misery loves company and goes forth in search of like conditions. 
Thus it is with many who are bold in infidelity and unbelief. They 
are not at ease ; their conscience is ill at rest. Something within 
them seems to disturb their quiet repose, and they roam about in 
search of some one who may happen to believe as they claim to in 
their false belief. Accordingly, they are ever ready to start an argu- 
ment in hope of winning some one on their side for company's sake. 

It was so with the man who met with Christian. At once he in- 
quired of Christian whither he was going, and when he answered, 
*' we are going to mount Zion," then 

'' Atheist fell into a very great laughter''' 

This seems to be the almost general practice of his followers 
ever since. Laughter and derision, form in a large measure the 
points of argument with many of the infidels and unbelievers of to- 
day. They point to the time of Creation and because some things 
are not in accordance with their own limited understanding, they 
laugh at the works, and ridicule the idea of Christian belief in God's 
works of creation. The Flood in the eyes of the infidel is a thing of 
ridicule, and they but laugh at those who believe in the Sacred ac- 
count of the Deluge. The history of the parting of the waters of the 
Red Sea by the Divine command of God is laughed at by such men. 
They would either destroy the whole account, or else explain it by 
mere chance of a sudden change of winds whereby the waters parted. 

And so all through the Word of God, they would explain away 
all miraculous accounts by tlieir argument of "laughter and ridicule." 
When Christian asked in surprise why Atheist laughed, the answer 

78 



he received was, " I lauoh to see what ignorant persons you are to 
take upon you so tedious a journey, and yet are likely to have noth- 
ing- but your travel for your pains." 

At first thought it might seem that such men are harmless, and 
their ''laughter " but empty dreams, but upon a more careful con- 
sideration of the results of such men's impious profession, we behold 
a very grave subject, demanding the most serious consideration. 

There are a number of reasons why Infidelity and Scepticism are 
dangerous aud most undesirable. First of all, they tend to destroy 
the real truth. 

Such men would trample under foot the very Truth itself, God's 
Word. They would make of it merely a book printed and sold for 
the money that is in it, like any other book. So far as the Inspira- 
tion of the Bible is concerned, they only laugh at such an idea. And 
yet, were they to attempt to write anything. like the Bible, they would 
either be converted to God in such an effort, or else would be 
thoroughly disgusted at their utter failure to reproduce anything 
like the inspired Word of God. It is that very fact that makes the 
Bible a book unique. No one is able to write a book like it, because 
it is God's Word, and God's thoughts are not man's thoughts, nor is 
God's book man's work. The Story of Ruth as it is written in the 
Bible is a story that no man is capable of reproducing. Any effort 
to write a story like it would be as fruitless as an effort to reproduce 
upon canvas a sunset. 

Our very best artists are able to produce something like the sun- 
set in a faint picture, but nothing at all equal to the sunset itself. 
And so it is with an effort to write either the ,^__ 

whole of the Bible or a single part of it. The 
end of such an eft"ort would be only a pre- 
posterous undertaking. 

Besides, what better than the Bible does the 
unbeliever and infidel offer ? They would de- 
stroy the real Truth, without giving anything 
else instead, in any manner whatever, to com- 
pensate for that which they take away. Even 
were the Truth of the word of God but weak and 



79 




imperfect, yet, it would be better than nothing, and nothing is what 
the infidel gives. A stick or cane may be imperfect in its execution, 
and yet, it is a support for the aged and infirm, and helps them on in 
their journey. It would be a mean man who would dare to knock out 
from under an old man the cane on which he had been leaning, and 
let him fall helpless by the roadside. Is it not equally base in any 
man who comes along trying to destroy the Truth, knocking thus 
from under the aged the very support which has been their help all 
along the way of life? Many men and women have gone leaning 
upon God's Word down to the grave, and the Bible has been unto 
them a support. Others are leaning upon this same support, and for 
any man to come along and endeavor to knock out from under them 
that very staff is to say the least, base, and the work of a mean per- 
son. If a man prefers to drag along helplessly to the grave and death 
without any hope, then let him go alone, and not endeavor to drag 
down others with him to heU. If such men prefer to sail across the 
great sea of life in darkness, to land at last at the haven of Despair, 
then let them be content to be wrecked alone, without trying to de- 
stroy the Lighthouse which lights others, enabling them safely to 
reach the haven of rest. If they find pleasure in groping for their 
way in the darkness of Chance, then let them not be vile enough to 
tear to pieces the Chart which others have studied, and which has 
given them their moorings, and enabled them to find the true way, 
Christ Jesus. If the infidel and sceptic prefer, in their own strength, 
to steer their boat across the great deep, then let them do so without 
endeavoring to plan for the removal of Christ from such as have 
taken Him as their Great Pilot. If they are willing to be ship- 
wrecked of all hope, let them not be so base as to attempt the destruc- 
tion of the life-boats of others. 

Such men, legally, would be subject to the laws of the land, and 
if because in spiritual things they are allowed for a time to escape 
the just condemnation for their offences, they should at least from a 
S3nse of common courtesy and propriety, not try to harm others, even 
though for the time they may happen to escape punishment. Until 
they have something better to offer, it were better, yes, more honor- 
able, for such men to keep quiet, and not thrust their offences in the 

80 



faces of others who are perfectly happy and satisfied with " the good 
old way and the good old paths." 

What must we think of a man who would take away the bread 
from the very mouth of the hungry, without giving something better 
instead ? You would feel disposed to call such a man a thief and 
villain. But what would you call a man who sneeringly snatches the 
very Bread of Life from such as hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness, giving instead only ashes ? 

Infidelity, in short, is nothing more nor less than a hurricane. 
Its chief mission seems to be that.of destruction. It tears down, 
without attempting to build up. Unable to create, it contents itself 
in destroying. 

There is another argument against infidelity in that it tends to 
increase crime by attempting to overthr'ow the doctrine of future re- 
wards and punishment. Even if there were no future beyond the 
grave, yet, the very thought of future rewards and punishment tends 
to check crime, and increase virtue. Take away all thought of a 
future beyond that of this present life, and there will be many more 
to turn their thoughts toward iniquity and crime. Society, instead 
of being elevated, would become more and more polluted and cor- 
rupt. It is the fear of future punishment that puts a check upon 
crime, and keeps many transgressors from doing things of which 
they would otherwise be guilty. Conscience is a great power for 
checking evil doers, but fear coupled to that power gives a wonderful 
impetus for the bridling of evil passions. 

Take away all thought of God in the world, and all fear of future 
punishment for the wicked, and you open the very flood gates into 
society, through which will come pouring a torrent of vice and crime. 
Society would soon become so honey-combed with evil that in a short 
time the very heart of it would be consumed by the disease of iniquity 
to the forfeiting of its very best things, and the wrecking of many 
lives. From a prisoner in Pentonville prison, London, came this let- 
ter. " I am one of thirteen infidels. Where are my friends ? Four 
have been hanged. One became a Christian. Six have been 
sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, and one is now confined 
in a cell just over my head, sentenced to imprisonment for life. " 

8i 



These few words very forcibly tell of the pernicious effects of in- 
fidel teachings and sentiments. Out of thirteen infidels twelve suf- 
fered for breaking the laws of their country. One escaped from 
breaking the civil laws but how ? In what manner did he differ from 
the other twelve '? He became a Christian. Not that all infidels are 
transgressors of the law. No one would for a moment so argue, but 
infidel teachings tend to make transgressors of the law, and spread 
crime, for reasons already stated. The general tendency of infidelity 
and scepticism is evil. If you sow to the wind you can only reason- 
ably expect to reap the whirlwind. Gather together all the crimi- 
nals of the land, and see the large percentage of that number that are 
sceptical in their belief. The letter from the infidel prisoner would 
doubtless explain the secret history of many other criminals. 

Few men have ever had their morals elevated by infidelity. But 
very many have had their morals most decidedly lowered through its 
teachings. 

One of the great teachers of this pernicious doctrine ridiculed 
the idea of " an infinite God making failures, in that some of His 
creatures are eternally lost." He argued that if there be a God, he 
has made a mistake in the works of his creation in thus creating an 
imperfect being. But it is not God's fault that some are lost. This 
same person, who criticised God for his mistakes, says, " If I have 
a soul, I've got to save it. " 

Although God helps a man, and in a sense God saves the soul, 
(for salvation is of the Lord,) yet, in another sense, man must help 
to save that soul, for if man so desires, he can destroy his soul. 
From the infidel's own argument, therefore, man can save his soul 
or he can destroy it, and it is no fault of God that some prefer to lose 
their soul. As, therefore, the infidel writer says, " If I have a soul 
I've got to save it," he should have completed the thought along his 
own line of argument and added, -'If I have a soul and lose it, it is 
my own fault." 

The doctrine of future punishment, therefore, is no indication of 
a failure on the part of God to create a perfect being, but only a re- 
sult of man's own failure to keep pure and good as God made him 
The bridge may be perfectly secure and carry safely across large 

82 




multitudes. But the safety and even perfection 
of the bridge does not prevent a man from leap- 
ing over the side of the structure and hurling- 
himself into the deep waters beneath. So God 
has made man a free and independent creature^ 
/ V to do good or evil. God has given man free- 

M dom above the beasts of the fields or the fowls 

^^^1^ of the air, and God has further given man the 

^^_j^ advice to do good, and has warned him against 

evil, but man is left to make his own choice. Had God made man 
that he could not have sinned, then God would have robbed man of 
his independence and freedom. Man would then have been only a 
piece of machinery, a mere tool. 

Another argument against infidelity is that it undermines a 
nation's safety. Infidel France, which is pointed to by one of our in- 
fidel writers as an illustration of the progress of a nation that is in- 
fidel in its teachings, is a very good illustration of the fact that infi- 
delity undermines a nation's safety. 

Look back into the history of France at a time when infidelity 
was greatest, what was its evil influence ? The fourth of October, 
1789, when such men gathered together at Clubs and plotted the 
Bread War by forbidding the bakers to bake bread, was but the be- 
ginning of the fruits of infidelity to that country. The next morning 
Paris was alive with powers threatening the overthrow of that nation. 
When, therefore, an infidel writer says, " T find just in proportion as 
people have been religious, in proportion they have gone back to 
barbarism," his statement is not true. The. opposite, however, is a 
fact, namely, in proportion as a nation is irreligious, that nation 
borders on to barbarism. The "Reign of Terrors " in France is a sad 
blot for infidelity and its dangerous teachings. Let Atheism and In- 
fidelity rule this land of ours for a few years, and we, too, would re- 
turn to barbarism, and would be ushered into a terrible " Reign of 
Terrors " that would ooak our land with human blood. What has 
infidelity ever done for the betterment of society, or the elevation of 
morals ? What has it done for the care of suffering humanity, by 
way of looking after the poor, the sick or the aged ? 

83 



And when such persons come down to the hour of death, what is 
their comfort or consolation ? What hope have they ? Alas I they 
are without both God and hope, and are left to die in misery and re- 
morse. When Col. Ethan Allen, a notorious infidel, was asked by 
his sick and dying daughter, " Father I am about to die : shall I be- 
lieve the principles which you have taught me, or shall I believe 
what mother taught me," the infidel after waiting a few moments to 
calm his remorse for his evil teachings, answered, saying, " Believe 
what your mother has taught you." 

There are many others who would not want their children to die 
in the belief of their own teachings. 

Such a father once went to Annapolis for his son who had just 
returned from Libby prison. He found his son dying, and was asked 
by the chaplain to inform him of his nearness to death. But the 
father refused, saying to the chaplain, " You tell him, and especially 
tell him to prepare for the future. I have been an unbeliever, a 
wicked man : but my son's mother is a Christian, and he had -better 
follow her." 

What then is there in infidelity that is worth possession ? In life 
it is deadly poison and dangerous in its influence. In death it is 
only wretched remorse to the soul. 

We are not surprised, therefore, at Voltaire, who, one day when 
he had dining with him two other infidels, stopped them at once from 
conversing about atheism, saying to them, "Wait till my servants 
have withdrawn: I do not wish to have my throat cut to-night." 

Some of these men remind one of the man who manufactured a 
certain kind of patent medicine which he claimed very good for a 
certain kind of sickness among children. His own child took sick of 
that very disease, and when asked why he did not give his child some 
of the medicine he had manufactux^ed for that disorder, he replied, 
saying, " I make that medicine to sell, and not to use." So it is with 
much of the teaching of infidels and sceptics. They are ready to 
broadcast it, but very few would be willing to feed their own children 
upon that kind of poisonous doctrine. 

Upon all infidel barges might well be written the inscription, 
** Without God and without hope ;" and woe is that parent who would 

84 



place his own child upon such a deadly barg-e to be carried on to the 
rapids of darkness and despair. Scepticism aad infidelity are but 
confusing- and deadly. Hume, the historian once said, "I seem 
affrighted and confounded with the solitude in which I am placed by 
my philosophy. When I look abroad, on every side I. see dispute, 
contradiction, and distraction. When I turn my eye inward, I find 
nothing but doubt and ig-norance. Where am I ? From what cause 
do I derive my existence ? To what condition shall I return ? I am 
confounded with questions. I begin to fancy myself in a very de- 
plorable condition, environed with darkness on every side." 

Hume's philosophy of scepticism and infidelity did not give him 
very much light, but, extinguishing from him every star of hope, 
and severing the ties which bound him to his Creator, his miserable 
philosophy left him to swing out upon an ocean of darkness, uncer- 
tainty and despair. 

At the funeral of one such more recently, strong men declared 
that nothing had ever appealed to them so strongly before for re- 
ligion and Christianity as the utter desolation and hopelessness of 
the family of mourners. Not a word of consolation, not a soothing 
note of music, not a prayer for sympathy or help or mercy. 

Thus, with no hope for future union, no consolation in Christian 
faith, no solace in religion, the utter loneliness and dreariness which 
enveloped the bereaved, was something which words cannot express. 

In view of all this, it is not only wise, but sensible to say the 
least, to abandon all talk of scepticism and infidelity, and to take 
hold of that which gives hope and salvation. The religion of Christ 
is good for little children, causing them to grow up an honor to their 
parents. That religion is also good for our youth, making of them 
noble citizens, and a blessing to morals and society. The religion of 
Christ, is good for old age, and enables such as have lived through 
life, to review the past with the sweet satisfaction of knowing they 
have not lived in vain, and of the comfortable assurance of everlast- 
ing bliss with the redeemed at last in glory above. Better even 
"hate " the world, home and friends who are so minded, than follow 
their teachings, and " hate " God. Let God be true, and others liars. 



CHAPTER X. 
OVER THE RIVER INTO THE CELESTIAL CITY. 

THE present life is often not very encouraging- to the Christian. 
It frequently so happens that the wicked prosper, while the 
christian has his trials and discouragements. But "there- 
remaineth a rest for the people of God." Dives may have his good 
things in this present life, while Lazarus has his misfortunes, but 
there comes a day when God properly adjusts all things, each one 
receiving his reward according to his own just deserts. Paul had a. 
hard time of it all along the line of his christian experience, but he 
" pressed toward the mark." '* Onward " is the call to the folio wers^ 
of God, with the injunction " not to grow weary in well doing." 

So it was with Christian. Had he confined his vision simply to 
the present, and lost all sight of the future, then he might well have 
become discouraged in his journey, for from the very outstart he had 
nothing but discouragements. He had no sooner gotten up on the 
mount than he was compelled to descend again into the valley. But 
the journey has an end. Life is not a continuous circle. It not only 
has a beginning, but an end, and the end of the righteous is "rest " 
and " peace." Says Bunyan, "I saw in my dream that by this time 
the pilgrims were over the Enchanted ground, and were entering into 

the Coimiry of Beulah. 
Here the air was very sweet and pleasant. Not only no sickness ther© 
but a place of singing. Being beyond the valley of death, it was 
also a place of perfect safety. Surely, it must be near the end of the 
journey. So it was, for from that place they obtained a glimpse of 
the City of God. There they might well sing : 

•' O Beulah land, sweet Beulah land, 
As on thy highest mount I stand, ■ 
I look away across the sea, 
Where mansions are prepared for me. 
And view the shining glory shore, 
My heaven, my home forevermore." 

87 



Here also the contract between the Bride and the Bridegroom was 
Tj^newed. There they heard voices from heaven saying: "Say ye 
to the daughter of Zion ; behold, his reward is with him." 

So the christian will at last enter the land of Beulah, for the 
rprophet says : " Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken ; neither 
-shall thy land any more be termed Desolate, but shaH be called the 
3and of Beulah," for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall 
be married." " As a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons 
marry thee ; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall 
±hy God rejoice over thee." 

Traveling in such a Beulah land, the christian may well sing : 

" The zephyrs seem to float to me. 
Sweet sounds of heaven's melody." 

And, as the redeemed of the Lord continue their journey amid 

'=such rapturous scenes, they exclaim, 

"The Saviour comes, and walks with me, 
And sweet communion here have we ; 
He genlly leads me by His hand, 
For this IS heaven's border-land." 

As the aged Christian lifted up his eyes, lo Heaven was now 
T^ery near. His step may have been feeble, while his trembling hand 
held firmly to the cane. His cheek doubtless hollow with age and 
trials, while his eyes were sunken and dim. 

Between the Pilgrims and the City of God, lay the Jordon. At 
first, they were timid to enter, but as they by faith stepped into the 
river of death, the waters parted, and they 
passed over safely. The less fearful the 
-dying christian is, the more shallow are 
the waters of the Jordon of death. But 
after all, the river of death is a blessing, 
for it is the " dressing room " of heaven. 
The soul enters the river on this side in 
corruption, and is raised on the other 
side in incorruption. It enters on this 
side in weakness, and is raised on the 
other side in strength. It enters on this 
side a natural body, and is raised on the 



\ "^ 


^ 


^Si^i 




<s 


mJ^S 


r^ 


J^ 


WT^^W 


? 


fr^"^« 


HI 


^ 


i£ ^Btljf 


^r 


-•^ 


IJB|\^^B||gL^ 




'23 






.■^ 


B^^^Hr^^IhH ^^^ 




kJ 


nHpSHn^y 


w^4 


mISi'-^ImI 


t-=: 


j| 


^I^Hs^iSs^^H^B 


r 


^ 


^^li^^JI^IHBI 


S 


<% • ^m 


P^W 



88 



other side a spiritual body. That river of death washes away allthe^ 
infirmities of the believer in Christ. No need of a cane on the otheir 
side, for the christian comes forth redeemed, washed in the " blood of 
the Lamb." As we look upon the old structure of the body on this 
side of the river, we see "the silver cord loosed, the golden bowl 
broken, the pitcher broken at the fountiin, the wheel broken at the 
cistern." But looking again on the other side of the river of deaths 
we behold " the dust returning to the earth as it was, while the spirit 
returns to God who gave it." ''For we know that if our earthly 
house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a 
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens " 

Scarcely had Christian come forth from the Jordon, than he was 
met by angels who had come to welcome him into the Celestial City. 
They began to tell of the glory of Zion,~the tree of life, and of the 
beauty of the place in general. *' No sickness ; no sorrow ; no tears; 
no death." "Former things passed away." "Reap what you have 
sown. " Oh, what tidings of joy greeted the pilgrim just beyond the 
river ! Some christians have hard times here, but a happy surprise- 
awaits them just beyond the river. 

At last the pilgrims reached the gate of the Celestial City. Over 
it was written in letters of gold, "Blessed are they that do his com- 
mandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may 
enter in through the gates into the city." 

Standing thus 

before the Golden Gate, 
the pilgrims sent in their certificate, which they had received at th& 
•' Wicket Gate." 

Then the King commanded to open the gate, " that the righteous-, 
may enter in." 

But as they entered a most wonderful change took place. Their 
raiment shone like gold. On their heads were crowns, while harps 
were placed in their hands. Heaven itself seemed to rejoice at the 
entrance of souls into that heavenly city, for the bells in the city 
rang, and there was rejoicing everywhere. Added to all this there 
was a grand chorus from the redeemed : "Enter ye into the joy o£ 
thy Lord," and the gates were closed. 

89 



Beholding the grand spectacle he did, it was not much wonder 
that Bunyan wrote saying, " I wished myself among them." 

With such a prize before the christian, he may well press for- 
ward through all manner of perils and misfortunes, for at the end of 
his journey he will be more than repaid for all the sacrifices made, 
and the sufferings endured for the cause of Christ. Even with this 
most glorious account, as given by Kunyan, of the end of the re- 
deemed in glory, yet "Not half has been told." 

Would that this beautiful story might end thus, and like it, all 
lives. But, as Bunyan stood gazing, he looked around, and behold, 
^'Ignorance" came up to the river, and crossed over. He went 
alone to the gate. No angels came forward to greet him. As he read 
the inscription over the gateway, he began to knock. An angel ap- 
peared and asked him for his certificate. In his confusion and em- 
barassment he began to feel in his bosom, but found none. 

The two shining ones who met Christian and Hopeful now ap- 
peared ; not to accompany "Ignorance" into the City, as they had 
Christian and Hopeful, but they " bound him hand and foot." Then 
flying off through the air, they carried him by the gate of heaven to 
" the door in the side of a hill, and put him there." And Bunyan 
adds, "Then I saw that there was a way to hell even from the gate of 
heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction." " Ignorance " had 
laughed at Christian and Hopeful in their endeavors, but now in the 
end he discovered when, alas, too late, that they were right and he 
wi'ong. 

Look then, if you will at the end of the righteous. Like the pil- 
grims they finally reach the Celestial City, and enter through the 
gates into glor3^ 

When "Ignorance" was asked on what ground he expected to enter 
the celestial gate he answered, " On the ground of morality, of being 
a good liver, and an honest man." But the true follower of God 
pleads only the merits of Jesus Christ for his entrance into that 
blessed city, for " there is no other name given among men, whereby 
we can be saved." 

However, with the pardon of sins by faith in t>^e Lord Jesus 
•Christ, then at the gate of heaven the christian hears the plaudit, 

so 



" Well done." " Come ye blessed of my father." Then with palms 
of victory and crowns of glory, they sing-, '* Holy, holy, holy is the 
Lord." 

New joys are ever being added. We look upon the faces once 
marked with care, but now all the lines are removed. Faces that 
were once pale and sickly, are now a picture of the bloom of youth. 
Bodies that were once affiicted, are now without " spot of blemish." 
There, amid unspeakable joys, they sing, not the songs of earth, but 
the Song of Moses and the Lamb, saying, " BJessing, and honor, and 
glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb, for ever and ever." 

" Oh ! then what raptured greetings 

On heaven's happy shore ; 
What knitting severed friendships up, 

Where partings are no more !" 

The mere description of a place, affords a vague conception of 
what the reality is. Neither artist nor poet can do justice to a sun- 
set, a rainbow or a waterfall. It is like trying to describe to a blind 
man the beauties of a landscape, or the glories of the Grand Canyon 
of the Yellowstone. So in regard to Heaven. " Eye hath not seen," 
and no one has returned to tell us of that at which we are now be- 
holding "through a glass darkly." Indeed, we are tempted to ex- 
claim as did the poet, "Strange, is it not, that, of the myriads who 
before us passed the door of darkness through, not one, returns to 
tell us of the road, which, to discover, we must travel too. 

The Bible, however, happily, throws some light upon the Distant 
City. As the Astronomer with the telescope brings the far distant 
Artie Planets Uranus and Neptune within the vision of mortal eye, 
so the telescope of the Word of God, brings Heaven within the vision 
of man'; for in turning on the Light of Divine Revelation, we 
catch bright rays of the Heavenly City of God. As such, it tells us 
that Heaven is a Place. Heaven, is a term used to express the 
positive issue or consummation of the dispensation of redemption, 
or the end of such as will be saved. As regards the location of 
Heaven we are largely left to conjecture, and yet, our general im- 
pressions lead us to believe it is somewhere above us. Christ in 



91 




His ascension rose up from Mount Oliver. 
"Elijah went up by a whirlwind into 
heaven. 

This earth of ours does not afford verj' 
many places suitable for Heaven. No 
such place as yet has ever been discovered 
on earth. There is too much suffering 
and sickness and sin on earth for it to 
ever be a suitable place. It is true that 
this earth could by the power of God be 
changed into " a new heaven and earth,' 
but meantime where is heaven ? Surely, 
the dead are not all sleeping in the grave awaiting the general resur- 
rection, for " to be absent from the body is to be present with the 
Lord," and Paul once wrote saying "to depart and be with Christ is 
far better," and surely he would never have so written, if he had 
thought death meant lying in the grave until the last trumpet call. 
''This day Shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Christ to the 
repenting thief upon the cross. 

Earth is nothing more than the "footstool" of God, while 
heaven is His throne. When Christ was about to leave the 
apostles, He said to them, " I go to prepare a place for you," and 
that place is not on earth, but in Heaven as it now is, heaven was 
then already existing, but Christ meant to say that He would go and 
there prepare for them a place in that heaven. He also speaks of 
" coming " again to " receive " them unto himself, that " where he is 
there they may be also." And the apostle reminds us of the fact, 
that " if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have 
an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." As the re- 
deemed are limited, finite beings, with glorified bodies, they must 
exist somewhere ; they must have a definite location ; that some- 
where for the redeemed, is called heaven. 

There are also conditions of the redeemed. Not a general med- 
ley of persons gathered together without order, for one of the first 
laws of heaven is order. When Christ fed the five thousand, there 
was order. He had them seated in companies of fifties and hun- 



dreds, otherwise there would have been utter confusion. So in 
heaven, there will be order and no confusion. As to who is to 
*' have the first seat in glory," that kind of selfishness and jealousy, 
is confined wholly to this present life. The present life, however, 
will largely determine the condition of the future in heaven. Each 
one on earth is fashioned for a heavenly place. Every christian is 
designed for a special place in glory. In the building of the first 
and most beautiful of all Temples for worship, the stones were all 
carefully prepared in the quarry, so that when the temple was 
erected, they all fit togetlier so perfectly, that there was neither ax 
nor hammer, nor any tool of iron heard in the temple while it was 
being erected. So, God would have it in heaven. 

This Divine Order naturally involves variety among the re- 
deemed. It is very true that all in heaven will be satisfied, and per- 
fectly happy, so much so that each will say " my cup runneth over," 
but some cups will be larger than others, and the capacities will dif- 
fer somewhat along the lines as they exist among christians in this 
life, for " one star differeth from another star in glory." 

Accordingly, is not this only natural and as it should be ? It 
would appear but just that the men and women who, other things be- 
ing equal, having given their consecration to God and the church, 
should have larger capacities for the glories of heaven than those 
who having had the same opportunities, failed to " redeem the time," 
but waited until death frightened them, and then surrendered them- 
selves to do the will of the Father. 

Among heaven's most illustrous, therefore, will be those whose 
hearts are fixed upon holy things. It will not be a matter of Creeds 
or particular church, but "the pure in heart shall see God," where 
there shall be "one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and 
Father of us all." Paul with his life of consecration to God, will 
surely have larger capacities for the riches of heaven, than the thief 
who on the cross, confessed Christ. The are " pillars " in the temple 
of God, and they are those who were the " pillars " here on earth ; 
the St. Catherines, the Dorcasses, the .Johns, the consecrated men 
and women in the church of God. These, will be among the illustri- 
ous in heaven. Many who are now little noticed will be among the 

93 



bright stars, for they are meekly but devoutly doing God's will here 
on earth, in going about doing good. 

Unhappily, there are many professed christians who are living a 
"zig-zag" life. Atone time near Christ, then following afar off. 
Such persons cannot reasonably expect to be among the brighter 
stars in glory. 

Another class of persons that will appear among the brighter 
stars in glory, will be, the sore afflicted in Christ. 

If during tha process of building, the corner stones could speak, 
they would doubtless do considerable murmuring, and [would ask, 
" Why are we so hammered ?" But when the building is completed, 
then there is visible evidence for the hammering and carving. It 
was to make more useful and beautiful the stones ; and so we are to 
be the spiritual stones for the temple of God in glory, and there is 
need of removing some cf the rough corners, the superfluities of life, 
in order that we may be all the more beautiful for that house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

The Apostle once caught a glimpse of some who were nearest the 
throne in heaven, and in his ecstasy, he asked, " Who are these in 
white array before the throne?" And the Angel answered, ** These 
are they which came up out of great tribulation, therefore, are they 
before the throne." Such, are among the " pillars " in heaven, for 
it takes the soil of [affliction to grow the tall cedars of Lebanon for 
the temple of God. " If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with 
him." 

Are [any in distress ? The apostle encourages such by saying, 
" Be not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we 
faint not." And Paul adds at another time, "I reckon, that the suf- 
ferings of the present are not worthy to be compared to the glories 
that shall be revealed in us," " for, our light afflictions work for us a 
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." In sickness, sor- 
row, afflictions and adversity, God is preparing material for the 
"pillars " and corner stones, for his temple in glory. 

Will we know each other in heaven ? Natural reasoning would 
surely teach us to say, "Yes," and inspiration teaches the same. 
Otherwise, there could not well be that large degree of happiness. 

94 



The power of friendship is universally known hereon earth. One 
is not apt to be so happy aniong strangers as among acquaintances 
and friends, and if in heaven there were no recognition, then there 
would be wanting one of the chief requisites for happiness. Recog- 
nition begets joy. Let old acquaintances, who may have been sepa- 
rated for a long time, meet, and how jojful the greetings. They may 
not at first recognize each other, but in the course of conversation, or 
in the singing of a song, the chamber of memory is unlocked, and old 
friends once more are in each others fond embrace. This will be one 
of the great joys of heaven ; the meeting of friends, the recalling of 
fond memories, and the reuniting of friendships, which had been 
partly broken by death. 

But, some one may ask, "Will not recognition mar happiness, 
in that some dear friend may be absent ?" We answer, " No," for 
conditions will be changed, and there will be realized fully the justice 
of God, and all will be willing to conform to God's judgments and 
works. Heavenly recognition, is also reasonable, because memory 
will continue, and the social nature will remain. Destroy memory 
and you destroy individuality, and heaven would not be heaven. 
Memory will ever enrich the treasures of joy of the redeemed soul. 

But again, some one may ask, '* Will not memory mar happiness 
in the recalling of early sins." In answer to this question, we again 
answer, "No," for Christ has very clearly and definitely declared 
that He "will blot out all sin," so that there " shall be no more re- 
membrance forever " of the pardoned sin. When Christ forgives 
sins, He blots it out of his memory and never more refers to it. 

Nor will the existence of the social nature in heaven mar the 
happiness. It is frequently asked, " What of those who have been 
married two or three times ? Suppose in heaven the different hus- 
bands or different wives meet, will not there be some jealousy, and 
the pleasures of heaven affected because of the existence of the social 
nature in the recognition ?" This question has also been very forci- 
bly answered in God's holy word, that in heaven " they neither marry 
nor are given in marriage." So enlarged will be our views, that 
there will be no "evil eye," for " nothing entereth heaven that de- 
fileth." On the other hand, the social nature will greatly add to the 

95 



joys of the heavenly state and life. There will be such reunions as 
Caleb and Joshua, David and Jonathan, the members of the Bethany 
home, the reunion of families and congregations, all of which will 
make heaven the ideal place. 

Recognition is further evident from the numerous Scriptural 
references. When David lost his little boy in death, he had no ques- 
tion as to his future meeting with and recognition of his child. '• He 
shall not return to me, but I shall go to him," was the conscious 
knowledge that gave to a bereaved father comfort and consolation in 
the hour of sorrow. That same consciousness and hope, has com- 
forted many parents since. 

JMotwithstanding the fact that Moses had died fifteen hundred 
years before, and Elias nearly one thousand years, yet they were 
recognized on the Mount of Transfiguration. 

Paul also believed in heavenly recognition, for he speaks of the 
special love for his own converts, and his hope of their heavenly re- 
union. It was doubtless in view of this that Paul wrote saying, 
"Then shall I know as I also am known." Although faith may be 
lost in sight and hope in fruition, yet "love never faileth," nor will 
it fail in heaven. 

Christ gave back to the widow of Nain, not " « " son, but " her " 
son. He promised to the bereaved sisters, not "Lazarus," but "your 
brother '&\\2X\ rise." And there is a promise left to the righteous 
that they shall "sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the 
kingdom of heaven," implying most clearly that these men shall be 
recognized in heaven, and if they, then others, "for we shall know 
as we are known." 

The fact of heavenly recognition will afl'ord an opportunity of 
expressing unexpressed gratitude. Here on earth the opportunity 
is often not afforded. At the time results are not seen, while fre- 
quently death cuts down its victim before an opportunity is given 
for expressions of love and gratitude. Accordingly, many pass from 
earth to glory in clouds of disappointments. Parents thus often 
pass away with disappointments as regards their children, while 
christian men and women often see so few visible fruits of their 
labors that they are inclined to think their lives have been a failure. 

96 



heaven, however, will unfold some of the sweet memories of the 
past. In heaven there will be many happy surprises. The results 
of g-ood works will there be revealed, when souls will rise up and 
call blessed such as led thera to church and to Christ. " I was in 
your Sunday school class," or "I was saved by you as a brand 
plucked from the fire," or, " You gave me a word of encouragement 
when all others forsook me, ' ' such will be the expressions of heavenly 
gratitude the " bread cast upon the waters." 

But what does all this teach us ' It should teach us the better 
how to live. It should forcibly teach us that we must begin heaven 
here on earth if we would enjoy heaven above. Christ like earthly 
recognition means heavenly recognition, and the wise christian care- 
fully practices this noble trait. 

The more friends we have on earth in Christ, the more we are 
likely to have in heaven. Some need to learn "earthly recognition." 
There are needy people who are in want of a helping hand, a kind 
word, a smile of encouragement, who are yet being passed by daily 
without any recognition on the part of many christians. There are 
too many, who, like the Priest and Levite of old, pass heedlessly by 
such as need their tender sympathy and help. 

We need more like the good old Samaritan who will get down 
from their high places into the dust and sand, and help the wounded 
at heart and soul. Many sad and cheerless hearts and homes might 
thus be transformed into " Edens " on earth. Seeing, therefore, just 
what God hath in store for those who love and faithfully serve Him, 
let us bring down a little more of heaven into daily life, beginning it 
thus while here on earth, for such will be surer of the same above, 
and will enjoy all the more the blessedness of heavenly recognition 
because they recognized people when on earth. 

Dorcas has many to recognize in heaven, because she kindly 
recognized the poor and discouraged here in life. Josephine's body 
was followed by the ten thousand of France to its final resting place 
because she had been a friend to the ten thousand of France. And 
so heaven will be what we make it. Our present life will largely de- 
termine our future happiness in glory ; some will enter heaven as 



97 



"brands plucked from the fire," while others will "gain an abund- 
ant entrance." 

When Mozart had written his last requiem, he turned to his 
daughter, and handing her the music said, *' Daughter, play and sing 
this for me." 

His daughter kindly took the music, and sitting down beside the 
piano, played and sang to the great satisfaction of him who requested 
the favor. After she had completed the song, she turned to see what 
effect it had upon her father. She saw a smile upon his face, but it 
was the fixed smile of death. Whijy^ she played and sang, his soul 
took its winged flight to realms above. 

Reader, be a friend to your fellowmen, be honest with yourself, 
and let your life be one so true to God, that when at last you fall 
asleep, it may be : 

" Asleep in Jesus ! blessed sleep, 

From which none ever wakes to weep ; 

A calm and undisturbed repose, 

Unbroken by the last of foes. 

Asleep in Jesus I peaceful rest, 
Whose waking is supremely blest ; 
No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour 
That manifests the Saviour's power." 

Thus, awaking from that last sleep, may your eyes behold the 

shining angels awaiting you, and may you hear your Blessed Master 

say unto you : "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter 

thou into the joys of thy Lord." 



98 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



■ 




014 158 800 n • 



